Lagos appoints schedule officers for 2020 Hajj operations

As part of strategies put in place towards providing quality service delivery and smooth Hajj administration, the Lagos State Government has formally released the names of 19 schedule officers for year 2020 operation.

The role of the officers is to coordinate, monitor and oversee the welfare of the intending pilgrims with a view to making them comfortable both in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, announced the names during a meeting with the management and staff of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, at the old Secretariat, Ikeja.

The commissioner encouraged all the schedule officers to show high sense of responsibility by rendering selfless service to the intending pilgrims in their respective local governments.

Elegushi, who is also the Asiwaju of Ikate Land, noted that the schedule officers were carefully selected amongst other equally capable staff of the Board, based on their diligence and competence. He urged them not to abuse the privilege.

He warned the coordinators against engaging in dubious activities such as extortion, exploitation, disrespect or exhibiting any other vices that may tarnish the enviable image and reputation which the state has built over the years.

Elegushi emphasised that the state government would deal decisively with any one found to be engaging in any untoward act in accordance with the civil service rules.

Speaking earlier, the Board Secretary, Raman Ishola explained the efforts the State Government has put in place towards ensuring that the intending pilgrims have a befitting accommodation, transportation to and from the different historic sites in the Holy Land, quality food supply and many other benefits that will make their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remarkable.

The appointed schedule officers and their Local Governments include; Tajudeen Anifowoshe (Agege); Mrs. Basirat Adegbesan (Ajeromi-Ifelodun); Ahmed Kotun (Alimosho); Semiu Shasi (Amuwo Odofin); Mrs. Monsurat Azeez (Apapa); Rasheed Bankole (Badagry/Ojo); Sambakiu Ogunnaike (Epe) and Lateef Gbajabiamila (Eti-Osa), among others.

Others are, Mrs. Sinat Ibrahim (Ifako Ijaiye); Mrs. Muibat Banjoko (Ikeja); Mrs. Mulikat Shittu (Ikorodu); Mr. Ganiyu Animashaun (Kosofe); Mrs. Hamzat Ibrahim (Lagos Island); Mr. Wahab Awere (Lagos Mainland); Mrs. Suliat Odejayi (Mushin); Mr. Abubakar Aliu (Oshodi Isolo); Mrs. Khadijat Oluwa (Shomolu); Mrs. Muibat Babalola (Surulere) while Mrs. Abibat Aruna would coordinate the Board.

In a related development, the Board has paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos Regional office of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) at Alausa, Ikeja with a view to strengthening the already established relationship between the two stakeholders.

The Hon, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi who led the delegation appealed to the NIMC management to assist the intending pilgrims in securing the compulsory National Identification Number (NIN), saying that without the number, the Nigeria Immigration Service would not issue them the new enhanced E-Passport to enable them travel abroad.

While responding, the Head of the Lagos region of NIMC, Mrs. Olufunmilola Opesanwo assured the State of the organisation’s maximum support and cooperation at ensuring that Lagos intending pilgrims get the NIN number easily whenever they apply for it.

She added that the NIMC would create a stand in the premises of the Muslim Pilgrims Board to be dedicated to the intending pilgrims.

The Hon. Commissioner was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Abdullahi Jebe; Board Secretary, Mr. Rahman Ishola; Head of Operations, Alh. Kamardeen Zubair; among others.