Minister of State for FCT, Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide, has advised intending Muslim pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to focus their prayers on peace, progress and prosperity of Nigeria.
Akinjide
Olajumoke Akinjidemade the plea on Thursday at a farewell speech to mark the departure of the first batch of 500 people out of 2, 497 intending pilgrims in Bassan Jiwa, FCT.
She urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria as they embarked on the spiritual exercise.
“Pray for the peace, prosperity and progress of the country.
“Nigeria is passing through some challenges ranging from insecurity to the Ebola epidemic.
“You should reflect Nigeria’s devotion to God by being disciplined, timely and dedicated to this spiritual exercise.
“Let people who come in contact with you be able to see your good conduct and respect our country,’’ Akinjide said.
She urged the officials to consider their assignment as duty to God, as they discharge their duty to the pilgrims.
She said the FCT Administration had developed strategies to ensure a hitch-free hajj operation, which included orientation programme, medical screening, effective pre and post hajj logistics, among others.
“We have also harnessed lessons learnt in our previous operations in order to remove all obstacles to the processes this year and in the future.
“We are committed to doing everything necessary to ensure that the FCT contingent gets the best services possible in this year’s operations comparable to other participants from across the world,’’ she said.
The minister also advised all intending pilgrims to reciprocate government’s efforts by being good ambassadors of Nigeria.
In his speech, Malam Bashir Muhammad, Director, FCT Muslim Welfare Board, said that in order to ensure a hitch-free and successful hajj operation, series of activities were carried out by the board.
Muhammad said the activities included sensitisation and orientation, pregnancy test and immunisation in line with Saudi Arabia’s guidelines.
He called on the intending pilgrims to be law abiding, respect all policies and strictly abide by the transport, feeding arrangements, luggage policy and flight arrangement.
A prospective pilgrim, Malam Musa Ibrahim, in his 70s, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the day he would land in Saudi Arabia would be his happiest day in his life.
Ibrahim said it was his first time and prayed that children would continue to sponsor their patents, especially the elderly.
“I am so happy, God will bless my son who paid my fares. After this, I will be ready to go to my creator,’’ Ibrahim said.
Another intending pilgrim, Hajiya Binta Usman, thanked God for the opportunity to be part of the pilgrimage.
She said her prayer would focus on Nigeria and the need for peace to reign in the land.
Usman said “I will pray for the country, especially on the security challenge facing the nation.
“I believe that Almighty Allah will hear our prayers.’’ (NAN)