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No fewer than one hundred and seventy-one (171) pilgrims from Oyo State on Sunday left Lagos for Saudi Arabia to participate in this year’s Hajj.
The pilgrims, among whom were ninety-nine (99) males and seventy-two (72) females, departed Lagos in Flynas XY5131 with other pilgrims from Ogun state which included: three (3) males and three (3) females.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State had on Friday stated that pilgrims from the state and other neighbouring states would from next year be flying to Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem from the Ibadan Airport.
Ajimobi, who noted that he was addressing pilgrims for the last time as Governor, saluted them for their comportment, urging them to be prayerful and maintain self-discipline during the Hajj exercise.
He said, “This is the last time I will be attending the farewell programme for Hajj pilgrims as Governor. I’m proud to say that the pilgrims from Oyo State have exhibited high level of discipline and maturity. I should also inform you that we are making frantic efforts to ensure that our pilgrims are airlifted to Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem from Ibadan Airport, starting from next year. Pilgrims from neighbouring states will also benefit from the arrangement.”
While assuring the pilgrims of good welfare package during the exercise, Ajimobi said the airline that conveyed the state contingent to the holy land last year had promised to improve on its services this year.
He enjoined the pilgrims to shun any act that could tarnish the image of the state while in the holy land, but rather concentrate on things that would enhance the fulfillment of their religious obligations.
The Governor said, “You must be good ambassadors and role models. You must shun acts of immorality that are capable of tarnishing the image of the state. Let them, through you and your conduct, see that we are good and disciplined people in Oyo State.
“You must also have the spirit of forgiveness. Hold on to God, make the Quran your best friend and remember to pray for the state and the country in general,” he added.
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