Kabo Air is involved in lifting FCT pilgrims to Mecca

By Senator Iroegbu

Kabo and Max Airlines have commenced the airlifting of the 3000 pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj.

The Director of FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Surajo Ado Faskari, while addressing journalists Tuesday at the permanent camp, said the airlifting of FCT pilgrims would be concluded on October 4.

Faskari said that of the 3,000 pilgrims from the FCT, over 530 went through the screening at the Permanent Camp and ferried to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by mass transit buses provided by the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

He also ruled out any hiccup in this year’s Hajj Operations, noting that the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board had complied with all the regulations for the operation.

“We have commenced the airlifting of pilgrims from the FCT, who are over 3,000. Over 530 pilgrims have commenced boarding and are to be airlifted to Mecca by two airlines which have been shortlisted for the exercise. The airlines are Kabo and Max Air," he said.

“All the FCT pilgrims will be accommodated in a 5-star hotel which has been secured for them. We have put in place adequate security and medical measures at the permanent Hajj Camp for the pilgrims to guarantee their comfort,” he stated.

Also, the Special Assistant to the Minister of State for the FCT and a member of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ibraheem Ibraheem, advised the pilgrims to be law-abiding in the Holy land and not to violate the laws of their host country.

Ibraheem, re-emphasised the FCT Administration’s commitment to serve the FCT residents and Nigerians in general by developing the territory, and urged the pilgrims to pray for the leaders and peace in the country.

It could be recalled that the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, had on September 13, 2012 inaugurated the FCT 2012 Amirul Hajj Team led by Gen. Abdullahi Bagudu Mamman (rtd).

Akinjide highlighted the terms of reference of the Hajj Team to include: general supervision and coordination of all activities of the entire operation from Nigeria and back to Nigeria; to ensure safety and security of pilgrims; and to ensure adherence to all rules governing the Hajj Operation.

They are also expected to ensure effective implementation of the Administration’s policies and programmes as they affect Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board; and to submit a report on the 2012 Hajj Operations.

“We have retained the Team because of the stupendous work done in 2011. It is hoped that your reappointment will afford you the opportunity to evaluate the operation and bring-up areas of improvements as I can count on your forthrightness, dedication and dynamism,” she stated.

Other members of the Team also include Alhaji Atiku Kurawa, Alhaji Mustapha Isma’il Khalifa and Alhaja Habeebat Babata-Sulaiman, who serves as secretary.