Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke of Osun State has bade farewell to the intending pilgrims from the state to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during the farewell programme which took place at Osun State Government Secretariat Central Mosque, Governor Adeleke urged the intending pilgrims to fervently pray for the state and be of good behaviour before, during and after the hajj exercise in the holy land of Makkah and Madinah.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Rasheed Aderibigbe announced that the present administration has made adequate arrangements to ensure the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims, both in Nigeria and in the holy land.
The Governor recalled with gladness of heart and purpose, the recent turning of sod by his administration, a befitting transit camp for Osun pilgrims, which he noted, when completed will be the best of its kind in Nigeria.
According to the Governor “Our governor has taken the welfare of the intending pilgrims as paramount especially in the area of accommodation and food”
Earlier, the Chief Imam of Osogbo land,Sheikh Musa Animashaun who prayed for the intending Pilgrims also charged them to devote time and energy in praying for themselves and Osun State in general.
In his word “You should pray for the success of Governor Ademola Adeleke to continue with the good work he is doing for the state.”
The Amir Hajj, Sheikh Maruf Ishola, who doubles as the Chairman Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board thanked the Governor for providing financial and moral supports to the agency in order to ensure smooth conduct of the exercise.
He also appealed to the intending pilgrims to guard their Basic Traveling Allowance (BTA) and shun things that will drag the name of the State into disrepute.
A total of 1,589 intending Pilgrims from the state are expected to perform this year ‘s holy Pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
Among the important personalities, who witnessed the farewell programme were the first lady of Osun State Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adeleke, Chairman House Committee on Home Affairs Hon. Rabiu Adeshina, Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Muritala Fakunle, NAHCON team among others.
