15th September, 2014
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
The first and second batches of the Ogun state pilgrims to Mecca and Medinah for this year’s hajj exercise have completed one of the rites at the holy land.
In continuation of stipulated rites as part of 2014 hajj exercise, the pilgrims, numbering 540, performed the lesser hajj (Umrah) at the holy Makah, Al Mukarrama mosque.
Leading the delegation in performing the exercise, one of the Board members, Alhaji (Sheik) Iskeel Lawal (Sugar) performed the Tawwaf round the Holy khabba and observed the Safar round the Holy Mosque.
In a statement early Monday morning signed by the Media Officer of the Board, Alhaji Qudus Kafidipe, who is also part of the pilgrims, copy of which was sent to our correspondent, the pilgrims, after completion of all umrah rites, prayed for the peace and development of the state and the country in general.
It was further stated that Cleric Sheik Lawal, admonished all pilgrims to ensure total performance of all Hajj rites as stipulated in the Holy Quran.
“Additional second and third batches of pilgrims from the state numbering 530 arrived the city of Medina earlier today, thereby bringing the numbers of pilgrims presently in Saudi Arabia to a total of 1,070, from a total number of 1,212 that were to perform the exercise from the State.
“The last batch of pilgrims are expected to join their counterparts as scheduled as the state government have put in place adequate welfare packages to ensure they enjoy their stay while the exercise lasted,” the statement concluded.