25th September, 2014
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state has advised all the pilgrims from the state to this year’s hajj exercise in the holy land of Saudi Arabia to be a good ambassador of the state, warning them not to do things that will tarnish the good name of the Gateway State.
The governor also enjoined them to maintain the level of discipline which is currently been exhibited at the holy land till the completion of all hajj rites.
Amosun stated this Wednesday evening while addressing the second batch A and B set of pilgrims from the state during a special visit (Sihara) to some special places in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The governor, who was represented by the Amir-ul-Hajj for the 2014 Hajj exercise, Alhaji Sheik Imam Abdul-Qudri Junaid disclosed that the level of orientation and seminars instilled in the pilgrims before embarking on the exercise has impacted positively on their level of conduct.
He added that adequate welfare of pilgrims remains a priority of his administration, while the exercise lasted.
The leader of the state delegation, Amirul hajj,who was accompanied by some members of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, noted that, “though the success achieved by the present administration in the state has been through constant prayers and support of all and sundry, no stones would be left unturned at ensuring that the wishes of the people reflect in its programmes and policies.
“As Muslims, we must ensure that we maintain the positive conduct been exhibited since arrival in Saudi Arabia which has earned us accolades in recent past and I urge you to intensify prayers for the success of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun led administration in its rebuilding mission”, Imam Junaid stated.
In a related development, wife of the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs. Simbiat Oluwaseun Adekunbi advised pilgrims from the State to always follow the dictates of the Holy Quran in the performance of the hajj rites as prescribed, urging them to continuously offer prayers for the success of the present administration in the State.
Mrs. Adekunbi made this admonition Wednesday while offering lunch to the state delegations to the holy land of Mecca and Medina.
The mother of three, however disclosed that the gesture was in appreciation of the favour of Almighty Allah on his family and the State in general, adding that, “pilgrims must be steadfast and prepared to complete all stipulated rites expected of them during the exercise, for it to be accepted by Allah as an act of Ibadah”, she submitted.
Earlier in their separate goodwill messages to all the pulgrims, the duo of Imam Noah Sodeinde and Sheik Iskeel Lawal, who are members of the State Muslim Welfare Pilgrims Board noted that the State contingents to this year hajj had never had it so good in terms of facilities provided, compared to previous arrangements, charging them that, they must ensure steady health status in anticipation of movement to Minna camp for the completion of the hajj rites.
While reacting on behalf of the delegations, Giasu Yusuf Akorede and Hajia Surratt Oluwakemi Omotara described the welfare packages and the first class accommodation provided as exemplary and worthy of emulation.
The duo further revealed that they were convinced with what they heard from those that performed the exercise last year, in terms of good treatment.
Some of the historical holy sites visited by the pilgrims include Mount Jabalitoro, Mount Arafat, Jabal Nur, Musdalipha and Minna, all in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.