No fewer than 726 pilgrims from Kogi State for the 2023 Hajj exercise have departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Governor Yahaya Bello addressed the pilgrims on the eve of their departure, charged them to be exemplary ambassadors of the state.
The Governor who was represented by Senator Abubakar Ohere, congratulated the pilgrims who will partake in the Holy exercise, urging them to cherish the privilege bestowed by God.
“I am indeed very excited to be here once again, to bid you farewell in this year’s sacred journey and I want to use this opportunity to thank you all for your maximum cooperation and proper coordination thus far.
“As usual, we urge you to comport and behave yourselves and grant us the ambassadorial honor while in the blessed Kingdom, respect their rules and ensure you follow the guidance of your leaders and preachers,” he said.
Governor Bello expressed belief that the state will develop if the exemplary virtues portrayed by noble Prophets were imbibed.
“As you’ll witness in the holy land with shades of nations and colours yet characterised with borderless love and humanity, we must learn to see ourselves as brothers and sisters from the same heritage and root irrespective of our language barriers and colour.
“Finally, your welfare and comfort are fully entrusted to Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala. Therefore, I want to use this medium to thank the management of Kogi and National Hajj Commission on the proper coordination, towards ensuring that Kogi take its rightful position in the comity of states for this all important holy trip.
“I pray that Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala grant you all the requisite strength, knowledge and wisdom to perform your Hajj exercise successfully and reward you all with Hajj Mabroor. I wish you all journey mercy to and from the holy land,” he prayed.
