Borno government yesterday urged intending pilgrims to pray to God while in the Holy Land for his intervention to achieve a lasting peace in the state.
Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur, made the appeal while addressing the first batch of intending pilgrims departing for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Maiduguri International Airport.
The deputy governor was accompanied by Amirul Hajj and Chairman of the Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Committee, Senator Kaka Shehu.
Kadafur said Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration remained committed to supporting religious obligations and ensuring a hitch-free Hajj operation.
The deputy governor, while describing pilgrimage as a sacred journey, also encouraged the intending pilgrims to remain focused, disciplined, and prayerful throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
“This is a great opportunity for spiritual renewal. I urge you to use this period to pray for lasting peace, unity, and progress of our dear state and the country.”
Kadafur, however, commended the support and collaboration between the state government, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and other stakeholders in facilitating a seamless departure process.
Shehu assured the intending pilgrims of adequate welfare and logistics arrangements being provided in the Holy Land by the state government.
He also urged the intending pilgrims to maintain the reputation of discipline and integrity that Borno pilgrims had upheld over the years.
“As Amirul Hajj, I will be joining you soon along with the final batch. We are committed to ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the pilgrimage,” the chairman pilgrims welfare committee said.
He, however, said that the governor has remained dedicated to peace-building efforts and community resilience.
Shehu said the governor’s recent visits to Marte, Ngala and other frontline areas was a clear demonstration of his commitment to boost the morale of security personnel and strengthen local recovery initiatives.