Lalong caution intending pilgrims against absconding

By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos 

Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong ,on Monday charged the 2018 intending pilgrims from Plateau State  to Saudi Arabia, to see themselves as Ambassadors of  the State and Country  whose spiritual depth of conviction must be reflected in the pious conduct of the exercise, all through the performance of the pilgrimage in the Holy land.

“The case of defections and abscondment of Pilgrims should therefore not be heard of amongst our State contingents, because of the enviable records we have now attained in the conduct of this exercise and we must make every effort to maintain. ”

Lalong made this known while speaking at the farewell ceremony for the intending pilgrims from the state .

“I urge you to ensure you observe all the rules and regulations put in place to make this years pilgrimage hitch-free, while also dutifully abiding by the laws of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

He said “Let me thank all the peace loving citizens of the Muslim Ummah in the State, and particularly the Council of Ulamas for your prayer for the peace and progress of our dear State. I wish to say boldly that it is the place of these prayers and cooperation with Government that have sustained us in the State.

“I am well informed that a total number of 815 intending pilgrims have completed the necessary requirements and will be making the State contingent to the Holy land this year.” This I have been briefed is comprised of 300 State sponsored, 150 Local Government and 365 self-sponsored pilgrims. ”

“You are aware that in 2017, the Plateau State Government had to sponsor 616 intending pilgrims including 387 deferrees as backlog of Pilgrims inherited from the last administration, who were fully paid up intending Pilgrims and could not be Airlifted to the Holy Land not on account of any fault of theirs. ”

“I am happy that notwithstanding the dwindling economic fortune and competing demand of Governments lean resources, Government has been able to clear this backlog and resume sponsorship which was suspended for two years to allow for necessary adjustment.” This you will agree is a statement of purpose concerning our Rescue Administrations resolve to deal justly with all citizens in the State.”

“We understand that working within our realistic financial inflows will compel necessary adjustment on matters relating to Government Sponsorship for the performance Holy Pilgrimages, if Government is to respond to the increasing developmental needs of the State. ”

This is not to say that pilgrimages are not important but rather, it is to highlight the necessity for proper planning by citizens to save and prepare for this spiritual exercise as a personal obligation demanded by faith. ”

He also said “We have remained focused in ensuring that we continue to provide all the opportunity for the performance with ease, of the Holy pilgrimage as one of the religious Pillars of Islam. We shall continue to support this by ensuring that all facilities and necessary institutional support that will guarantee the continuous performance of this exercise for our citizens is ensured.’

The Rescue Government is hopeful that our dwindling fortunes will in the no distant future improve, as we sustain our prayers and intensify the exploitation of our revenue yielding potentials in all critical sectors of the economy, so that resources will abound in the hands of citizens for future self sponsorship.”

“Let me assure our Muslim brothers and sisters that Government is still committed to carrying out the renovation on the already acquired property with a wide expanse of land in the Rikkos New Layout, to serve as the Moslem Pilgrims Welfare Board Permanent Office as well as a Transit Camp for our intending Moslem Pilgrims.”

May I use this opportunity to appreciate the Moslem Pilgrims Board for the effective way the pilgrimage exercise has been managed since our assumption of Office; this has ensured that the initial hiccup we experienced in the first and second year are steadily improved upon. I am glad that I have assurances that benefiting accommodation with feeding outlets near the ground Mosque of Meccah has been well arranged. The Air Carrier – Max Air, I have also been informed has so well been prepared for a hitch free airlift. My expectation therefore is that we will experience a hitch free exercise which will make the spiritual value of this pilgrimage very long lasting and eternally rewarding. 

I enjoin you to be fervent in your prayers for our Nation, the President, Muhammadu Buhari  and for our dear State Plateau. Ensure you also sustain your prayers for lasting peace and security around the Grand Kaaba for Allah  to expose all agents of destabilization in our country and the State in particular.

I can assure you that as you pray and return fully prepared after the pilgrimage, to give good expression to your spiritual rejuvenation, in working for peace and the progress of our Country, we will experience better days ,he added .

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Lalong caution intending pilgrims against absconding