Intending pilgrims from Oyo State have been admonished to be good ambassadors of the state and be of good conduct in the Holy land.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde gave the advice while bidding the intending pilgrims farewell at the Olodo Hajj Camp, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, Barrister Bayo Lawal also charged intending pilgrims to cooperate with the chairman and members of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrimage Board, Professor Sayed Malik.
The governor urged them to take cognisance of all the facilities provided for them and cooprate with all the executive members of Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, urging them to be law-abiding follow the instructions of their guides.
He reminded them that their primary assignment in the Holy Land is prayer, charging them to pray for themselves, for Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
The governor also reminded them of the challenges facing Nigeria, ranging from kidnapping, banditry and terrorism amongst others. He charged them to pray for the country to surmount it’s challenges especially as the election year approaches.
He also warned them to abide by the laws of Saudi Arabia authorities and ensure that they protect their family image and that of Oyo State, warning them to refrain from drug trafficking and other illicit acts.
He also urged them to pray for Oyo State government to continue its infrastructure development strides.
Oyo Housing Chairman also promised to make personal contribution to the ongoing infrastructure development at the Olodo Hajj camp.
Earlier at the event, Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrimage Board, Professor Sayed Malik said the number of slot given to Oyo State is 779 due to drastic reduction by Saudi Arabia authorities which allows only one million pilgrims worldwide for 2022 Hajj. He recalled that outbreak of Covid-19 prevented people from performing Hajj in 2020 and 2021.
He urged people who are not able to go with the board this year to exercise patience and wait till next year.
Also Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdul-Ganeey Agbotomokekere prayed for intending pilgrims for safe trip to and from Saudi Arabia, and asked for Allah’s guidance on them.
Also the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Chief Dawud Akinola and the Chief Judge of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, admonished intending pilgrims to avoid misunderstanding and being in a hurry after mounting Arafat.
Dignitaries at the event included former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sumonu, Alhaja Bosede Adedibu, Personal Assistant to Governor Makinde, Mr. Akeem Azeez; Professor Musbau Babatunde who represented Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun among many others.