Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State, has asked potential pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the year 2023 holy pilgrimage to pray for Nigeria’s economic restoration and against insecurity in Osun State.
Governor Adeleke also stated that the country’s economic difficulties and insecurity demanded the prayers and efforts of every Nigerian.
This was part of Adeleke’s speech to the 1,835 intended pilgrims at a parting ceremony at the State Secretariat Mosque Complex Abere.
Adeleke, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, also thanked the management of the Osun State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board for their efforts in enabling the arrangements thus far.
“I pray the Almighty Allah to crown your efforts with a resounding success,”
He said.
He also warned the pilgrims that the state government will not tolerate any lapses during the Hajj operation.
He said,
“As I am thankful to Allah for allowing this record to be set under my administration, I am equally thanking the Almighty Allah, on behalf of you, our esteemed Pilgrims, for counting you worthy of partaking in this year’s Hajj operation despite the significant rise in the cost.
“I pray that Allah will continue to enrich your pockets and accept your Hajj as an act of worship”.
Recounting the level of preparation for the pilgrimage, Adeleke explained that,
“On the part of the Osun State Government, we have done everything necessary towards making this exercise a memorable one for you, both onshore and offshore.
“I am aware that all necessary vaccinations have been administered and arrangements have also been made for your smooth transportation to the Hajj Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
“I am also aware that the State Government has equally secured an accommodation that is very close to the Ground Mosque in Makkah in a bid to make your stay comfortable in Saudi Arabia.
“Likewise, adequate preparations have been made towards ensuring that you are served with quality meals throughout your stay in Makkah”.
Adeleke commended the aspiring Pilgrims on their decision to embark on the trek and prayed for their safe return to their families.
Sheik Morufu Ishola, Amirul-Hajj of Osun State, commended Governor Adeleke for his support for the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in his presentation.
Sheikh Ishola also asked all pilgrims to follow the guidelines they were given while in the Holy Land.
