Represent Ondo with honour, pray for Nigeria, Aiyedatiwa charges intending pilgrims
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday, 8th May 2025, formally bid farewell to 735 intending pilgrims from the state, as they prepared to embark on the holy pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Engr. Bola Taiwo, the Governor urged the pilgrims to offer earnest prayers for the security and stability of Nigeria.
He urged them to conduct themselves with discipline, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility throughout their spiritual journey.
The pilgrims were encouraged to comply fully with the rules and regulations of the Saudi authorities and to serve as exemplary ambassadors of Ondo State and Nigeria.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also called on the pilgrims to offer fervent prayers for peace, Security in Nigeria, unity, and socio-economic development in both the state and the nation at large.
He expressed confidence in their ability to represent the state with honour and return with renewed spiritual strength and blessings.
He wished them a safe journey and a successful Hajj.
Delivering goodwill messages, the Chief Imams of Khaleel Fawehinmi Government House Mosque Alhaji Dr. Yunus Anola, Chief Imam of Ikare Land Sheikh Abbas Abubakar, and Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom Alhaji Dr. AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, alongside, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, Grand Mufti of Ondo State, prayed for the intending pilgrims and advised them to strictly adhere to the instructions and guidelines of the Hajj leadership.
The religious leaders also counselled the pilgrims to avoid inappropriate behaviours, particularly theft, fornication, and adultery, during the holy pilgrimage.
Acknowledging the challenges of the journey, the clerics urged them to focus on its spiritual rewards while embracing forgiveness, unity, and a shared sense of purpose.
They reminded the pilgrims to observe regular prayers (As-Salat), read the Holy Qur’an, and perform Al-Tawaf, the ritual of circumambulating the sacred Kaaba, as essential rites of the pilgrimage.
Earlier, in his address, the Chairman of the State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Zikrullah Shandy, affirmed the state government’s commitment to the well-being of its pilgrims by securing accommodation near the Haram, offering familiar local meals, and ensuring access to healthcare throughout their stay.
He also disclosed that, for the first time, the state government had sponsored ten individuals for the 2025 pilgrimage.
In a separate chat, the Secretary of the Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Omoniyi Mutiu, revealed that Ondo is the only state that applied for an increase in its Hajj allocation, from 698 to 735 this year.
He noted that the state has consistently met its quota since the inception of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
