2014 Hajj: Gaidam Urges Intending Pilgrims To Pray For Nigeria

Source: thewillnigeria.com

SAN FRANCISCO, September 10, (THEWILL) - Intending Hajj pilgrims from Yobe State have been urged to pray for the country as they embark on the journey to the holy land in Saudi Arabia.

The Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam,who made the call Wednesday, asked the intending pilgrims to fervently pray for the return of peace to the country.

Gaidam made the call while inaugurating the Yobe State Amirul Hajj Team for the 2014 Hajj under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman Mai Bade and Deputy Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs.

Speaking at the inauguration, the governor said: “I wish to enjoin you to continuously remind our pilgrims to continue to pray for improved security situation in our State in particular and Nigeria in general. I also urge our pilgrims to, while in the Holy Land, devote themselves to pray for the good health of all our people and pray for peace, unity, progress and stability to continue to reign in our State and the Nation in general.'

Gaidam also disclosed that the approved welfare package by the state government for the year 2014 Hajj exercise include provision of accommodation subsidy to all 2,260 pilgrims, provision of free feeding to all pilgrims and officials at the Hajj transit camp and in Muna and Arafat, provision of “free Ihram for each male pilgrim, as well as Hijab and ihram for female pilgrims,” among others.

According to the governor, in keeping with the importance attached to the Hajj exercise, “the State Government shall continue to intervene by taking various measures aimed at assisting the intending pilgrims from our State.”

He noted that the state was involved in assisting the intending pilgrims so that they will fulfill the important religious obligation with utmost ease and comfort.

“Our decision in taking these bold initiatives is informed by the fact that if everything is left to the individual pilgrims, the cost will be too prohibitive. The State Government's resolve to render appropriate support and assistance is informed by the fact that the performance of Hajj is the only single event whereby the largest number of our citizens travel abroad en-bloc for a common purpose,” he said.