BENIN CITY – The 324 Muslims from Edo State for this year’s hajj will depart Benin City today for Lagos, enroute Saudi Arabia, venue of the holy exercise.
They are to be led by the state Amir-Hajj, the Aidenojie of South-Ibie, Etsako-West Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kelvin Danesi.
Prior to today’s departure, the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday in his farewell message urged them to be good ambassadors of the state.
The governor’s message was delivered by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Abdul Oroh at the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board headquarters, Benin City.
He urged them not to see the exercise which is one of the five pillars of Islam as a jamboree, rather as a spiritual exercise intended to bring them closer to Allah.
While counting on their co-operation to make Edo State and Nigeria proud, the governor expressed optimism that the conduct of members of the state contingent would be a departure from the disgraceful conduct of previous contingents.
He described hajj as a challenge, voluntarily accepted by Muslims who have the means to perform it.
While congratulating the Muslim community and acknowledging members’ support to the state government, Comrade Oshiomhole informed them that they were given recognition in the events scheduled to mark the first year’s anniversary of the present government in power.
On his part, the Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Usman Shagadi sued for discipline from the pilgrims and therefore urged them to shun every conduct that is capable of bringing the state to disrepute.
While in Saudi-Arabia, he said a committee would be set up to attend to all complaints, including ill health by members of the state delegation.
He promised to report any misconduct to the state governor for appropriate disciplinary action.
Present at the occasion include the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Maimuna Momodu.
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