As Amosun urges pilgrims to maintain discipline in Holy land

Ogun State contingent to the 2014 Holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have been enjoined to maximize the rare opportunity of this year’s Hajj exercise as news filtered in at press time that Friday 3rd October 2014 would be Arafat day.

Chairman of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Isiaq Yusuf made this disclosure during a brief sermon during afternoon prayers with pilgrims yesterday in the city of Makkah, adding that a confirmation has been sent to all concerned agencies about the beginning of a new Islamic month of Dhul Hijja 1435 AH starting from today 25th September 2014, with Arafat day confirmed as the tenth day of the new month.

Yusuf stated that the date for the climbing of mount Arafat which falls on a Friday remains a rare opportunity for all pilgrims to maximize the special day which he said actually come within a 17 year range.

Meanwhile, the State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun urged pilgrims from the state to maintain the level of disciplined so far displayed at the holy land.

Represented by the Amir-Ul-Hajj for the 2014 Hajj exercise, Imam Abdul-Qudri Junaid, the  Governor stated that the level of orientation instilled in the pilgrims before embarking on the exercise has impacted positively on their level of conduct, adding that adequate welfare of pilgrims remains a priority while the exercise lasts.

In a related development, wife of the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs. Simbiat Oluwaseun Adekunbi advised pilgrims from the state to always follow the dictates of the Holy Quran to perform hajj rites as prescribed and continuously offer prayers for the success of the present administration.

Mrs. Adekunbi made this admonition while offering lunch for over 1000 pilgrims from the state in the city of Makkah.

She disclosed that the gesture was in appreciation of the favour of Almighty Allah on his family and the state in general, adding that pilgrims must be steadfast and prepared to complete all stipulated rites expected of them during the exercise, for it to be accepted by Allah as an act of ibadah.

Junaid who was accompanied by members of the state Muslim pilgrims welfare board, noted that though the success achieved by the present administration in the state has been through constant prayers and support of all and sundry, maintaining that all no stone would not be left unturned with a view to ensuring that their wishes are reflected in its programmes and policies.