Don’t Tarnish Nigeria’s Image, Gov Abiodun Tells Muslim Pilgrims
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, on Friday, cautioned the intending pilgrims to this year’s Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia not to engage in unholy acts capable of tarnishing the image of the state and the country.
Abiodun said this while inaugurating the Ad-hoc Committee of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
He noted that pilgrims from the state had no criminal records in the Holy Land, hence the need for them to sustain the records.
“You should also remember that you are ambassadors of Ogun State and Nigeria. You should therefore desist from all illegal and immoral acts that could tarnish the image of our dear state and our country.”
“We are proud to say that we do not have records of pilgrims of Ogun State in conflict with the laws of the Holy Land. I charge you to sustain this enviable record. Obey the laws of the land. Do not take into the land anything they do not wish to be taken into their land; and when you get there, do not do anything they do not wish to be done in their land.
“My dear intending Alhajis and Alhajas, as you proceed on this Year Hajj exercise, I want you to know that you are carrying the flag of Islam and you are also ambassadors of your family, Ogun State and Nigeria. You will have first-hand experience of the spiritual might of Almighty Allah, it is also an opportunity to offer prayers at the holy sites. Pray for yourselves, pray for your family, pray for Ogun State and pray for Nigeria”, the governor advised.
Abiodun explained that the committee members were carefully selected from a pool of equally dedicated and spiritually upright Muslims, hence the need for them to commence work in earnest to have an improved Hajj operation this year.
Responding, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, Alhaji Kehinde Lawal, appreciated the governor for the confidence reposed in the members, assuring they would not disappoint the government and people of the state as they would put in their best to achieve their goal.
The Amir Hajj, Prof. Kamal Balogun, in his remarks, noted that it was the first time an Amir was chosen by government without political consideration, assuring that the Committee would live up to the expectations of the government and people of the state.
