Hijrah 1446: Makinde Commends Oyo Muslim Pilgrims Board Chair, Atere Over Successful 2024 Hajj Exercise
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu, Ibadan
IBADAN – Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has applauded the performance of the Chairman Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board( Muslim Wing) , Sheik Hashim Olamide Atere on the 2024 Hajj operations in the state, saying that the smoothness of the operations was remarkable.
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The governor gave the commendation on Wednesday at the Hijrah 1446 luncheon organised by the state government and held at the Presidential Lodge, Secretariat, Ibadan
He said ” Let me use this opportunity to commend the chairman, Pilgrim Welfare Board, Sheik Hashim Atere and everybody connected with the Hajj operations of Hijrah 1445
“For the first time, nobody abused me from Meca complaining about food and accommodation. The arrangement was such that all the pilgrims from the state returned within two to three days. As the first batch landed, the next batch also came
“Just like when I asked the people of the state to let me serve them, they said I have not gotten any experience to run for the office of governor, they also said the same thing to me concerning Sheikh Atere that he can’t handle the office.
” I told them that you said the same about me that I will not be able to do the job but am doing it, so, let us try him.
“So, on behalf the State Government, I want to thank the Chairman of Pilgrims Welfare Board, Oyo State (Muslim Wing)
You are encouraged , please let next year’s Hajj be even better than this one.”
Governor Makinde who stated that his administration was poised to ensure the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport to international status within the next 18 months expressed optimism that by the next Hajj , pilgrims to the holy land would be airlifted directly from Ibadan Airport to Saudi Arabia.
He stated that he will announce a committee that will steer the vision to turn the facility to an international standard before the end of the week.
Governor Makinde used the opportunity to call on the people of the state to strive for a new Oyo State where love, unity and peace will reign, irrespective of religious differences, stressing that his administration will continue to do things in the interest of the people and the development of the state.
In his speech, the Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Atere, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support towards the 2024 Hajj exercise.
He promised to always prioritize the welfare of Muslim Pilgrims for Hajj exercise in the state assuring that things would only get better.
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Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. Bayo Lawal acknowledged the total support of Governor Makinde to the Muslim Ummah, saying this has ensured peace and development in the state.
In his lecture at the event, the guest lecturer, Sheik Najimudeen Alkubroh, extolled the uncommon virtues of Governor Makinde.
He noted that with his style of leadership, he has proven to be the kind of “worthy leader that Nigeria needs.”
The chairman on the occasion, Chief Bayo Oyero, called on Muslims and Islamic scholars to always remember the new calendar year and teach their followers the importance of Hijrah.
In their separate goodwill messages, Professor Kamil Olosho, Professor Musliudeen Yahya and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu emphasised the need for the declaration of Hijrah holiday in the country.
The event had in attendance former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; wife of a former governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja; and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.
Others were the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Honourable Justice M.A. Adegbola and the President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice T.M. Abdulganiyu.
Also in attendance were Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of Oyo State, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere; members of the League of Imams and Alfas and other top government functionaries.