Hajj: Oyo charges pilgrims to be good ambassadors

The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has charged the one thousand two hundred (1,200) intending pilgrims from State to be good ambassadors by exhibiting good behavior while in Saudi Arabia and desist from any act contrary to the rules of the host country and can bring disgrace to the state and Nigeria as a whole

The Governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, gave the charge during the farewell ceremony for Muslims pilgrims at Hajj Camp, Olodo Ibadan, admonishing them to serve God faithfully and abide by the tenets of Islam.

He reminded them of the need to avoid any act capable of tarnishing the good image of the state and the country as a whole and commended the intending pilgrims for embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage, describing the process as an essential pillar of Islam for Muslims.

“We congratulate you for being able to embark on this journey of spiritual rebirth despite the dwindling economic situation in the country. We urge you to maximize every minute of your spiritual journey to the holy land and pray for yourselves, the State and the growth of Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim’s Welfare Board, Alhaji TaofeeqAkeugbagold enjoined the pilgrims to be patient and persevere in the course of performing the Hajj, saying that each Hajj year has its own peculiarities and challenges.

He urged them to always follow the directives of the State’s Hajj Officials while in the Saudi Arabia.

In their separate remarks, a Muslim Cleric, Alhaji Muyideen Bello and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi  Adeyemi asked all the pilgrims to be prepared for a rigorous Hajj exercise, explaining that Hajj exercise is to serve God  and not for jamboree.