Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) on Wednesday commissioned the new Hajj terminal at Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto.
The Minister also used the opportunity to flag off the 2024 flight Hajj operations in Sokoto State.
In a statement, Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said the new airport facility is renamed Senator Aliyu Wamakko Hajj Terminal.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by an array of distinguished guests, including His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, his Deputy, Idris Mohammad Gobir, the Honourable Minister of State for Water Resources, Bello Mohammed and Senator Aliyu Wamakko.
Also in attendance at the occasion were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
In his keynote address, the Aviation Minister underscored the importance of the Hajj terminal, stating, “The commissioning of this terminal is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the aviation infrastructure in Nigeria and improving the experience of our pilgrims. This facility will not only serve the immediate needs of Hajj pilgrims but will also bolster the overall capacity and efficiency of our aviation sector.”
Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto commended the Federal Government and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for their dedication to improving aviation infrastructure in the region. He noted, “The development of this terminal is a crucial step in facilitating the smooth transit of our pilgrims and ensuring their comfort and safety. This is a proud moment for Sokoto State.”
The renaming of the terminal to Sen. Aliyu Wamakko Hajj Terminal was the highlight of the event, honouring the significant contributions of Senator Wamakko to the development of Sokoto State and the aviation sector.
Senator Wamakko expressed his gratitude, saying, “This recognition is a profound honour. I am deeply committed to the continued progress of our state and our nation.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Saad Abubakar III, lauded the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the project and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering national unity and development. He remarked, “This terminal stands as a symbol of our collective effort towards achieving greater heights in our national development.”
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to continuous improvement in the aviation sector, promising more developments to come.
