Lagos State Government Advises Pilgrims To Be Good Ambassadors

The Lagos state government yesterday warned its pilgrims against breaking the law in Saudi Arabia. Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat urged them to be good ambassadors and to avoid any action that might reflect badly on the state and country. The 1,562 pilgrims and officials will begin the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The first flight will depart tomorrow with 462 pilgrims.

Speaking at a seminar/prayer for the pilgrims at LTV Blue-Roof, Agidingbi, Hamzat exhorted them to behave properly, represent the country very well and focus on the spiritual practice they are going there for. “You are ambassadors of the state of Lagos and Nigeria. When you come to the Holy Land, let them see that you are well behaved and show understanding of the religion. You shouldn't fight, but focus on the spiritual benefits you can get from pilgrimage," he said. He asked them to pray for the country's peace and progress, saying that only in a peaceful atmosphere can there be development and growth.

He also urged them to pray for the success of All Progressive Congress presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, noting that any good nation must have a good leader to thrive. The Commissioner of the Interior, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, appealed to those unable to make the Hajj this year due to insufficient time to take heart and see the situation as Allah's wish. However, he prayed that Allah spares their lives beyond next year when they would have another opportunity. The Southwest Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Alhaja Basirat Akintunde, congratulated the pilgrims who are lucky enough to be among those who will perform this year's Hajj. “Today, if Saudi decides to give Nigeria more slots, people will be ready to buy. So those of you who are lucky enough to get the Hajj slot should maximize it and use it wisely by engaging in worship,” she said. Alhaja Akintunde urged pilgrims to exercise perseverance to gain the rewards that Allah has promised to those who observe the fifth pillar of Islam.

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