By Stanley Onyekwere
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa has charged the 2019 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to use the opportunity provided by the Hajj to pray for Nigeria.
Ohaa gave this charge in his address to the intending pilgrims at the FCT Permanent Hajj camp at Bassan Jiwa, Abuja.
In his words “as you are about to depart for the holy land, I urge you all to remember that our country is currently facing some peculiar challenges that will require supplications to the Almighty. I implore you to remember Nigeria in your prayers in the holy land.”
The Permanent Secretary revealed that the FCTA through the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has introduced a number of strategies which include orientation, education and medical screening to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
He also said that the FCTA has as usual displayed the utmost commitment to ensuring that the intending pilgrims get the best possible treatment in the Holy land.
According to him, it’s the commitment to excellence has ensured that the FCT clinched the title of the best state pilgrims’ welfare board for two consecutive years of 2017 and 2018.
He also enjoined Hajj officials, to be of diligent, exemplary conduct and consider the assignment as a trust from Allah, to assist the intending pilgrims to attain an acceptable Hajj, and adds that “only God can adequately reward you for your duties.”
Speaking earlier, Director of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Mallam Muhammad Bashir said that a total of 2220 pilgrims will be airlifted from the FCT to Saudi Arabia.
He also disclosed that in a bid to ensure a hitch-free and successful Hajj operation, his Board introduced some innovations which include the education and orientation programmes for the pilgrims as well as improved medical screenings which include pregnancy tests as well as immunizations.
The Director also advised the intending pilgrims to be “law-abiding and strictly abide by the transport system and feeding arrangements, luggage policy as well as flight schedules.
He also implored them to “be patient always, avoid rumour mongering, be responsive and avoid reckless spending and above all, have the fear of Allah (SWT) and remember the purpose of the journey.
“The Board would not tolerate any act of indiscipline as anybody found wanting during the exercise shall have himself or herself to blame.”
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
