Governor AbiolaAjimobi of Oyo State has charged this year’s pilgrims to Mecca from the state to be good ambassadors of Oyo State.
The governor, while addressing the pilgrims at the Hajj Camp, Olodo in Ibadan on Friday before their departure to the Holy Land, also urged them to shun any act that could tarnish the image of the state.
Rather than engage in acts of immorality in the course of performing their hajj rites, he said that they should be concerned with the fulfillment of their religious obligations while in the Holy Land.
“As you are departing for Mecca, I want to appeal to you to shun all acts of immorality. Be good ambassadors and role models. Let them, through you and your conduct, see that we are good and disciplined people in Oyo State,’’ the governor admonished.
He also charged them to use their stay in the Holy Land to pray for the peace, growth and development of Oyo State and Nigeria, especially now that the country is facing serious security challenges.
Governor Ajimobi used the occasion to explain the reasons for the appointment of popular Islamic preacher, Sheikh Muideen Bello as this year’s Amirul Hajj for the state, describing him as a fearless preacher and disciplinarian.
“Sheikh Muideen Bello will always say the truth, no matter whose ox is gored. He is a fearless preacher and disciplinarian. His appointment could not have been more appropriate,’’ he remarked.
The governor also called on the people of the state to join hands together with his administration in the task of ensuring a clean and healthy environment.