Hajj 2024: Be a Good Ambassador, As Aiyedatiwa Tells Pilgrims.
Olusegun HOSEA. 23rd May , 2024
The Executive Governor of Ondo,His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa has advised the intending pilgrims in the state to be a good ambassador of the country particularly Ondo State in the holy land . The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy Dr. Olayide Adelami today said government would continue to be supporting the Muslim community in any way that is possible and that the government would be expecting them to pray for more peace for our dear nation Nigeria.
The event was held at the Muslims Welfare Board office in Akure where the league of Imams and Alfas under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Aladesawe, the pilgrims and others Muslims faithful were in attendance to give the governor support. He thanked God for making the programme a huge success.
The Governor advised the pilgrims to adhered strictly to the rules and regulations of the program of which they are going for in the Mecca.
Why praying for the journey mercy to and fro for the pilgrims, the governor said the Ondo State met the allocation and even surpassed the number of the candidates given to them and also reminded them the reason why they were there. He said it’s was the prayer of the religion people for the nation that are still giving us grace in this nation.
Similarly, a total number of 502 intending Pilgrims in Ondo State were screened, inoculated and sensitized on pilgrimage rites and were also vaccinated against any form of disease outbreak during their stay in the holy land of Saudi Arabia in Mecca.
The Chairman of the Ondo state Muslim Welfare Board , Alhaji Zikirullah Adam Chandy at the event held at the board premises in Akure, educated intending Pilgrims on the rituals and etiquettes of Hajj crucial for ensuring a meaningful and acceptable journey.These includes, guidance on the rites of Hajj, such as the Tawaf around the Kaaba, the Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and the stoning of the pillars representing Satan.
In his lecture, a member of the board, Alhaji AbdulGanniy Bature, admonished the pilgrims on the importance of maintaining a state of purity, performing prayers at designated times, and showing respect towards fellow pilgrims regardless of nationality or background.
According to him, understanding and following these teachings contribute to a spiritually enriching experience and acceptance of the pilgrimage.
” It’s essential for pilgrims to focus on devotion, reflection and acts of worship during their journey.
“In Mecca, you can perform two rakats (units of prayer) in the Masjid al-Haram, particularly near the Kaaba.
” In Medina, you can do so in the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi), preferably near the Prophet’s grave or in Riyad al-Jannah (the Garden of Paradise) area if accessible.
Highlights of the event include group photograh and other religions activities that related to the development of the programme.
