COMMISSIONER TO MUSLIM PILGRIMS: BE GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR Y2022 HAJJ
The Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj for the Y2022 hajj exercise, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, has urged Muslim Pilgrims to express their gratitude to the Almighty Allah for having the opportunity to perform the spiritual exercise after the delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prince Elegushi spoke during a special prayer session organised by the State Government for the Pilgrims on Arafat Day before observing the two rakaats to round off the day’s activities and embark on the journey to Muzdalifah for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual at Jamrah.
He said Allah has made it possible for them, not only to be part of the Y2022 Hajj Day but to also partake in the Arafat Day’s activities, urging them to make the best use of the opportunity inherent in the pilgrimage as well as lectures and prayers to improve their religious life and move closer to the Almighty Allah.
The Commissioner also used the opportunity to express his appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his tremendous support to the Muslim Welfare Pilgrims Board towards ensuring the success of the Y2022 hajj exercise, noting that the wellbeing of the pilgrims is of utmost priority to the State Government.
Elegushi averred that the preparation for the journey back home after the pilgrims’ successful completion of all the spiritual exercises has commenced in earnest, informing them that the date for airlifting back to Nigeria will be communicated soon.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, said that this year’s Hajj is indeed a special one, pointing out that a lot of stringent measures were put in place for intending pilgrims, particularly the compulsory medical tests for Monkey Pox, COVID-19 and Yellow Fever.
He, therefore, charged the pilgrims to remain thankful to the Almighty Allah for the successful and hitch-free hajj exercise despite all the challenges encountered.
The Chairman, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB), Engr. Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, thanked the pilgrims for their patience, endurance and cooperation in ensuring a successful outcome, stressing that the Almighty Allah will continue to enrich, strengthen and provide for them at all times.
He advised them to practice the virtues learnt from the lectures and exhibit Godly behaviour when they return home
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Dignitaries at the special prayer session included the Chief Justice of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, and members of the State Pilgrims Board.