Lagos State deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has enjoined intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors and shun any act capable of portraying the state and the country in a bad light as they embark on the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia this year.
Hamzat made the call while speaking at the One Day Seminar and Special Prayers for the year 2022 Hajj Intending Pilgrims organised by the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board at the Blue Roof, Agidingbi-Ikeja.
He said, “You are Ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria. When you get to the Holy Land, let them see that you are of good conduct and that you understand the religion of Islam. You should not fight but focus on the spiritual benefits you stand to gain from the pilgrimage.”
He further enjoined participants to pray for the peace and progress of the State, in particular, and the country in general, just as they pray for a successful outcome of the 2023 general election.
The State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Elegushi, earlier in his address, disclosed that intending pilgrims had been enlightened and given adequate knowledge about what the Hajj exercise entailed by the State Ulamah during weekly lectures in all local government areas across the state.
Elegushi added that the lectures have been digitalized to help intending pilgrims view the live performance of the hajj rites before embarking on the journey.