INTENDING Muslims pilgrims to the Holy land, from Ondo State, have been urged to pray for the peaceful co-existence of the people of the country during their visit to 2017 Hajj in Mecca.
The state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who stated this on Tuesday during a farewell ceremony organised for the 301 intending pilgrims from the state, at the Babafunke Ajasin Auditorium, Akure, the state capital.
Akeredolu urged the pilgrims to take the advantage of being in the Holy land to seek God’s intervention for President Muhammadu Buhari’s health challenge
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi. advised the pilgrims to conform with the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia, urging them to shun the conducts that could bring their names and reputation of the state and Nigeria into disrepute.
He said: “You must resist the temptation of carrying hard drugs or prohibited goods to the Holy land. The attributes of honesty and discipline which are enshrined in the Holy Quran must be conspicuously displayed in your performance of hajj.
“In fulfillment of our electoral promises, this administration has initiated efforts for the continued general wellbeing and betterment of all religion faithful in the state.
“The government has interfaced with the Muslim Ummah through the state Muslim Welfare Board, where within its limited resources, has provided the necessary support to the board, ahead of time to assist the 302 intending pilgrims from the state in handling befitting accommodation, feeding and transport arrangements both in Mecca and Medina.”
Earlier, Chairman, Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Khaleel Fawehinmi, urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the state and country in general.
He said: “I like to appeal to you to go to the Holy Land not just to have your own personal fulfilment and pray for yourselves alone. I urge you to remember our dear state and country in general.
“We need the prayers of the faithful to re-orientate our psyche, our values and our appreciation of religion itself.”
Fawehinmi commended the state government for continually supporting and assisting the board.
and then