By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has inaugurated the 2024 Amirul Hajj Committee that would ensure a hitch free, orderly, organized and proper welfare of the pilgrims from Borno State during the forthcoming 2024 Hajj exercise.
Inaugurating the committee on Saturday at the Council Chamber of the Government House Maiduguri, Zulum assured improved welfare for all pilgrims from Borno State during the pilgrimage .
The 21-member committee would be chaired by Senator Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, the Senator representing Borno Central at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.
The governor also charged the committee members to work diligently towards meeting the expectations of pilgrims from Borno State.
He said, “I urge you to be dedicated in order to reduce some of the complaints by pilgrims.”
Zulum also disclosed that the Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Board would be upgraded to the status of a Commission to reduce the financial burden resulting from the pilgrimage activities by the state government soon.
“We have to reorganize the Pilgrims Welfare Board. We shall convert the board to a commission. Establishing a commission reduces government spending and ensures more accountability and transparency,” Zulum said.
The governor also explained why the deputy governor, who has been the Chairman of the State Amirul Hajj Committee for the last four years could not serve in that capacity this year.
“Since I assumed office as Governor of Borno State in 2019, the Deputy Governor has been the Chair of our Hajj Committee. But this year, we decided to change because I am also going for the Hajj pilgrimage and don’t want to create a leadership vacuum in the state. He will oversee the affairs of the state in my absence,” Zulum said
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and the 2024 Borno State Amirul Hajj Committee Chairman, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan
Responding, the 2024 Borno State Amirul Hajj Committee Chairman, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, urged the committee members to consider the assignment as a serious job involving issues of welfare, safety, transportation , feeding , accommodation, health issues and other logistics at the holy land during the pilgrimage starting from Maiduguri down to Saudi Arabia.
He also appealed to the media to give the activities of the Amirul Hajj Committee objective and adequate publicity by way of disseminating regular information and operational guidelines to the pilgrims and public at large.
Senator Lawan further appreciated the governor for assigning them the huge responsibility while pledging to live up to exceptions of the pilgrims and government with the support and cooperation of the relevant authorities and pilgrims.
He however expressed gratitude and appreciation to Governor Zulum for finding them worthy to serve in the committee and assured to deliver on the task given to them with the support of the pilgrims and committee members.h
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