Intending Muslim pilgrims from Ekiti State have been charged to uphold discipline, obey the laws of Saudi Arabia and conduct themselves in ways that will reflect positively on the state and Nigeria as they embark on this year’s Hajj exercise.
The admonition formed the thrust of deliberations at a sensitisation programme organised for the pilgrims in Ado Ekiti, where government officials, religious leaders and security agencies stressed the importance of spiritual focus, lawful conduct and national representation.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, urged the pilgrims to see the holy pilgrimage as a sacred obligation that demands exemplary character.
She advised them to avoid any act capable of tarnishing the image of Ekiti State, noting that their behaviour in the Holy Land would serve as a reflection of the values and discipline of the people they represent.
Professor Adubiaro also called on the pilgrims to use the opportunity of the spiritual exercise to pray for peace, unity and progress in Nigeria, as well as for the continued development of Ekiti State and a successful governorship election scheduled for June 20.
She commended the Muslim community in the state for their support for the administration, assuring them of government’s continued commitment to their welfare.
In a keynote lecture, the Grand Mufti of Erinjiyan Ekiti, Alhaji Hamzat Opeyemi Lawal, emphasised the centrality of intention in acts of worship, urging the intending pilgrims to purify their motives before embarking on the journey.
According to him, Hajj is not merely a physical exercise but a deeply spiritual undertaking that requires sincerity, devotion and total submission to the will of Allah.
He stressed that only those who meet the eligibility requirements, including physical and financial capability, should undertake the pilgrimage, adding that participants must remain focused on spiritual purification to avoid rendering their efforts futile.
Security and regulatory compliance also featured prominently at the programme, as the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adegoroye Falade, represented by the Command’s Imam, CSP Ishaq Abdul Hamed, urged the pilgrims to be law-abiding and avoid any conduct that could lead to confrontation or legal issues in the host country.
Similarly, a representative of the Nigeria Immigration Service, DSI Musa Muyideen, advised the pilgrims to strictly adhere to travel regulations and directives issued by the authorities, warning against carrying prohibited items or violating immigration rules.
In his goodwill message, the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere-Bello, commended Governor Oyebanji for his inclusive governance and support for the Muslim community.
He cautioned the pilgrims against engaging in acts that contravene Saudi Arabian laws, including taking photographs in restricted areas such as the Kaaba, carrying unauthorised items like power banks, kolanuts and certain medications, or engaging in disorderly conduct.
Also speaking, the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, Alhaji Hamed Bakare, urged the pilgrims to maintain high moral standards and act as worthy ambassadors of Islam and Ekiti State throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Salman Adedipe, assured that adequate logistics had been put in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free pilgrimage.
He disclosed that all intending pilgrims had secured their visas, while suitable accommodation and other necessary arrangements had been concluded ahead of their departure.
Providing a breakdown of participants, Adedipe said seven officials of the board would be sponsored by the state government, while three individuals were personally sponsored by Governor Oyebanji.
He added that 87 pilgrims were self-sponsored, bringing the total number of intending pilgrims to 97, comprising 69 males and 28 females.
The event featured special prayers for the pilgrims and the presentation of essential travel materials to aid their journey.
Dignitaries at the programme included the State Missioner of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulsalam Babatunde; Sheikh Labeeb Dandawi; the Chief Imam of Ilupeju Ekiti, Alhaji Soliu Kuranga; members of the Pilgrims Welfare Board including the Head of Programme Department, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria FRCN, Ado-Ekiti, Alhaja Fatima Bello, and other prominent Islamic leaders.
