Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has urged State Hajj intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors and shun any act capable of portraying the State and Country in bad light as they embark on holy pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat gave the advice today while speaking at the One Day Seminar and Special Prayers for Year 2022 Hajj Intending Pilgrims organized by the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board at the Blue Roof, Agidingbi-Ikeja.
Speaking further, the Deputy Governor admonished them to comport themselves in good manners, represent the country very well and focus on the spiritual exercise they are going for.
He said, “You are Ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria. When you get to the Holy Land, let them see that you are of good conduct and we understand the religion of Islam. You should not fight but focus on the spiritual benefits you stand to gain from the pilgrimage.”
Hamzat emphasized that the state government has made every necessary arrangements to ensure that intending pilgrims have a hitch-free and successful pilgrimage to and fro the Holy Land. He said government has created and inaugurated various sub committees to make the pilgrimage easy for all pilgrims and advise them to meet members of any of the committee that will provide answers to their enquiry or request.
He further admonished them to pray for the peace and progress of the state in particular and the country in general, as it is only in a peaceful atmosphere that there can be development and growth. He also urged them to pray for the success of the All Progressive Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2023 presidential election noting that any good nation must have a good leader to develop.
Earlier in his Address, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi disclosed that intending pilgrims have been enlightened and given adequate knowledge about what the Hajj exercise entails by the state Ulamah during weekly lectures in all Local government areas across the state. He added that the lectures have been digitalized to help intending pilgrims view the live performance of the hajj rites before embarking on the journey.
While expressing gratitude on behalf of the intending pilgrim to the Governor and his deputy for their love and support towards ensuring maximum comfort for pilgrims in the Holy land, Hon. Elegushi assured that intending pilgrims will reciprocate their kind gesture by praying fervently for the peace and progress of the state and the country as well as their success in the 2023 general election.
Speaking further, the Commissioner appealed to all those that could not make it to the hajj this year due to the inadequate slots, to take heart and see the situation as the wish of Allah. He however prayed Allah preserve their lives beyond next year when they shall have another opportunity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu stated that the event was designed to adequately enlighten pilgrims on all they need to know about Hajj rites, historical sites, offer prayers for a hitch-free exercise and pray for the success of the Governor and his Deputy in the forth coming election.
