Prince Anofiu Elegushi, the Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj for the Y2022 hajj exercise, has asked Muslim Pilgrims to show their appreciation to Almighty Allah for the chance to conduct the spiritual exercise following the delay caused by the COVID-19 epidemic.
Prince Elegushi addressed during a special prayer session organised by the State Government for Pilgrims on Arafat Day before concluding the day’s festivities and departing for Muzdalifah for the symbolic stoning of the devil ceremony at Jamrah.
He stated that Allah has enabled them to participate not only in the Y2022 Hajj Day but also in the Arafat Day festivities, asking them to make the most of the opportunity provided by the pilgrimage as well as lectures and prayers to enhance their religious life and draw closer to the Almighty Allah.
The Commissioner also used the opportunity to thank Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his amazing assistance to the Muslim Welfare Pilgrims Board in ensuring the success of the Y2022 hajj activity, stressing that the State Government prioritises the pilgrims’ well-being.
Elegushi stated that preparations for the pilgrims’ return home have begun in earnest following their complete completion of all spiritual activities, alerting them that the date for airlifting back to Nigeria will be informed shortly.
Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, stated that this year’s Hajj is definitely special, noting that several severe procedures have been put in place for prospective pilgrims, including the mandatory medical testing for Monkey Pox, COVID-19, and Yellow Fever.
He thus exhorted the pilgrims to stay grateful to Almighty Allah for a successful and trouble-free hajj despite all the difficulties endured.
Engr. Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, Chairman of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB), thanked the pilgrims for their patience, endurance, and cooperation in ensuring a successful outcome, emphasising that the Almighty Allah will continue to enrich, strengthen, and provide for them at all times.
He urged them to put the values they had learned in the lectures into practise and to be godly when they returned home.
The Chief Justice of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, and members of the State Pilgrims Board were among those present for the special prayer session.