The Lagos State Government has said it is set to commence the airlift of the state Muslim pilgrims of this year’s Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia, from October 1, 2012.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole, who disclosed this at the weekend during the inauguration of a 25-man Central Working Committee on Year 2012 Hajj, added that the airlifting of intending pilgrims is expected to run till October 8, 2012.
Danmole noted that the official airline for the airlifting of pilgrims in the state this year is the Marx Airline, adding that apart from the 25-man committee, there are other sub-committees like Orientation, Passport/Visa, and Security committees that would be set up to ensure a hitch-free Hajj for intending pilgrims.
He charged the members of the Central Working Committee to brace up for the challenges ahead and ensure that this year’s Hajj operation runs smoothly.
In his response, the Chairman of the Hajj Committee, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, assured the commissioner that the committee would not only live up to expectation but would surpass the achievements and success of last year’s Hajj operation.
The chairman, on behalf of other members of the committee, thanked the state government, especially Governor Raji Fashola and the commissioner, for the opportunity given them to serve the state in such capacity.