by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government has bid farewell to about 1,019 intending pilgrims embarking on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
While bidding the farewell to the intending pilgrims by the Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Mrs Josephine Piyo, at the Jos Central Mosque on Monday, the governor urged them to pray for Plateau and Nigeria as a whole.
He urged them to pray for the peace and unity of Plateau State and Nigeria as a nation, and charged them to be of good conduct, upholding the values of unity, peace, respect as well as complying fully with the laws of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, while in the holy land.
According to him, performing the Hajj is a fulfillment of religious obligation, and a deep spiritual experience of a lifetime for many, and serves as an opportunity to seek God’s forgiveness for past sins so as to get closer to God.
The governor commended the pilgrims for their dedication and commitment by investing significantly in the pilgrimage, noting that well-trained personnel have been deployed to provide support and guidance during the pilgrimage.
He wished the pilgrims a successful journey, a transformed, and an enriched spirit upon the completion of the spiritual exercise.
Speaking earlier, the Secretary, Plateau State Muslim Welfare Board, Daiyabu Dauda, commended Governor Mutfwang for his diligence and support, assuring the State Government of the Board’s commitment to efficient service delivery, while in Saudi Arabia.
He thanked the governor for providing a permanent site for the Board for smooth operations, while appealing to contractors to expedite action for the facility to be commissioned before the end of the Hajj exercise.
He said the 2025 intending Muslim pilgrims from the state were in “high spirits” due to the governor’s tremendous effort and support. Also, the Amirul of Hajj, the Emir of Wase, Muhammad Sambo 11, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for the appointment and other members, assuring him that they will discharge their work diligently, and pledged total loyalty to the government.