Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, charged the state delegation to the 2023 Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to pray for the country’s leaders and for the nation to overcome its numerous socio-economic challenges.
The state has 432 pilgrims, including 190 females, 242 males and two officials from the board.
Addressing the pilgrims ahead of the departure at the Edo Muslim Welfare Board Office in Benin City, Obaseki said: “Every year since I became governor, I make sure I come here to bid you farewell as you embark on your pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, which is one of the key cardinal points or principles of Islam.
“I am the governor of Edo people, both Muslims and Christians. Whichever the religion, I am your governor, as everyone voted for me to become the governor.
“I have a divine responsibility to take care of you and I am just fulfilling that responsibility, which is why I don’t joke with any issue relating to religion. I have come to realise that in the last six years, the progress recorded is as a result of God’s grace and we will always give Him thanks and always make sure we fulfill our part.”
In his response, Chairman, Edo Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheik Ibrahim Oyarekhua, thanked the governor for his commitment and support for pilgrimage in the state, saying: “Today is a great day in the history of Edo State and under your reign as governor of Edo State, for the first time since the creation of Bendel and Edo State, the board is recording 432 pilgrims. The allocation for the state has never gone beyond 300.
“The increment in numbers is a pointer to the fact that you have always assisted the board and the National Hajj Commission has taken note of this.”
