The Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on all the intending pilgrims going on this years Hajj exercise through the State to pray for the country and success of the new administration.
The Governor gave this indication while speaking at the One-Day Seminar organised by the State Muslim Pilgrims Board to sensitise the intending pilgrims on the intricacies of the spiritual exercise.
Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Hamzat explained that the country is very much in need of prayers as she transit to another government.
He said what the nation needs at the moment is prayers that would assist the Bola Tinubu’s administration and other Governor’s to thrive.
Speaking on the seminar the Governor stressed that the intending pilgrims must abide by the teachings of Islam and obey the law of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“They must understand it is a spiritual process and you can’t go inside the Mosque and you go there with your phone ringing. It distracts others and yourself.
So we must understand the rules of Saudi Arabia, they must take necessary precautions because that last year, certain numbers of people were arrested worldwide who came there with all sorts of contraband, so people should be careful and should be focus and make lagos proud.” he said
He maintained that every operations are well syncronised as their team knows the intricacies of Hajj while urging the pilgrims to cooperate with the Staff for a seamless Hajj experience.
3,588 pilgrims
The immediate past Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi announced that a total of 3,588 intending pilgrims would be performing the spiritual exercise through the state.
He also stated that the first batch would depart from Lagos to Madinah on Sunday 4th of June, through Flynas airline, a Saudi Arabia based airline, adding that the airline has been known for excellent service delivery over the years.
While informing the gathering that the Governor has approved the sum of 100 Saudi Riyal for each of the intending pilgrims for their Ihram clothe, Elegushi urged them to reciprocate the kind gesture by praying for the success of the Governor and his deputy in their second term in office.
Speaking on the efforts put in place towards ensuring a hiitch-free exercise, he said that a befitting accommodation had been secured for them within a working distance from the Haram in Makkah. He stressed further that each of the intending pilgrims is entitled to a Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) of 800 US dollars while the cost of Hadiyah ram and ziyyarah of historical sites have been factored into the Hajj fare paid the pilgrims.
Guest Lecturer, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, Chief Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Kano Branch, enjoned the intending pilgrims to be of good conduct, have fear of God and follow the guidelines that is in consonant with what Allah as ordained in the Glorious Quran.
Bello who delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Procedure of performing acceptable and rewarding Hajj’ said Hajj is a divine calling and every pilgrims must adhere strictly to it’s dictates for their efforts to be acceptable.
He urged them to desist from illicit activities, arguments or any unethical behaviors that can void the spiritual exercise and hopeful to return to the country after the exercise as someone with impeccable hearts.
The Cleric implored them to be good ambassadors of Lagos and Nigeria and desist from traveling with contraband goods that contravenes the law of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Faith and Commitment
In his address of welcome, Chairman Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Shakiru Gafar said Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam which is a demonstration of commitment to the directives of Allah as enjoined on every Muslim who have the financial and physical capabilities.
Gafar maintained that the seminar is a tradition to ensure the intending pilgrims were empowered with necessary information about Hajj and to also offer prayers for the Hitch-Free exercise.
He however thanked the State Government for supporting the conduct of the
exercise over the years and at all time.
Speaking on the welfare packages for the pilgrims in the holy land, the immediate past Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic matters, Alh. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe gave assurances that the welfare of the pilgrims would be given topmost priority.
Safety and security tips as well as medical counselling were delivered by different Government officials.
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