Minister pledges support to AHUON

By Ayoni M. Agbabiaka

Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Musa Bello, has urged the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) to shun every form of sharp practice in their operations.
The minister, who was represented by the Secretary Social Development Secretariat, Oladimeji Ali Hassan, at AHUON Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the National Mosque, Abuja, said the government “will continue to provide enabling environment for the business to thrive and other issues that affects hajj and umrah operations in Nigeria.”
He commended the association for raising the standard of Hajj and Umrah operations in the country, saying that the operators must strike a balance between profitability and Islam.
He, however, warned them against duping and cheating intending pilgrims and engaging in other forms of corruption in line with President Muhammadu Buhari administration policy.
“We also request the association to implore the members to do more. It is not only those in governments that are corrupt but those people siphoning or taking other people’s money,” he said.
Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, assured that the Commission would create Umrah department for ease of doing business with tour operators.
While applauding the characteristics of the outgoing president of AHUON, Abdulfattah Abdulmajeed, he warned the incoming executive not to use the association for unionism, “but for things that will benefit its members and the pilgrims.”
“This association has helped greatly from separating the quacks from the professionals,” he said.
Responding, Abdulmajeed expressed appreciation to NAHCON for its support over the years, and urged members of AHUON to give utmost support to the incoming executives of the association.

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