By Fatima Muraina

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has urged the 735 intending pilgrims from the state embarking on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to be good ambassadors and pray fervently for the peace and security of Nigeria.

The governor gave the charge on Thursday, during a farewell ceremony organised in honour of the pilgrims. Represented by his Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Engr. Bola Taiwo, Aiyedatiwa enjoined the pilgrims to conduct themselves with humility, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility during the spiritual exercise.

While admonishing the faithful to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the pilgrimage as set by Saudi authorities, the governor emphasised the need for prayers for unity and socio-economic progress in Ondo State and the nation at large.

“We must continue to seek divine intervention for peace and security in our land. I urge you to be disciplined and represent Ondo State and Nigeria in the best light. I wish you a successful pilgrimage and safe return,” Aiyedatiwa said.

In their goodwill messages, Islamic clerics across the state, including the Chief Imam of Khaleel Fawehinmi Government House Mosque, Alhaji Yunus Anola; Chief Imam of Ikareland, Alhaji Abbas Abubakr; Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Akorede and the Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Surajudeen Batuta, admonished the intending pilgrims to shun immoral acts such as theft, fornication, and adultery.

They charged them to remain spiritually focused and uphold the core values of the Hajj, stressing the importance of forgiveness, unity, and communal purpose.

The clerics also reminded the pilgrims of the significance of observing As-Salat, reciting the Holy Qur’an, and performing the Al-Tawaf, the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba, while maintaining high moral and spiritual standards.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Zikrullah Chandy, noted that the state government had made adequate arrangements for the comfort of pilgrims, including accommodations close to the Holy Mosque (Haram), the provision of local delicacies, and access to healthcare throughout their stay.

He further disclosed that, for the first time in the state’s history, the government has sponsored ten individuals for the pilgrimage this year.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Omoniyi Mutiu, revealed that Ondo State had increased its Hajj slots from 698 to 735, the only state in the country to request and receive an upward review in allocation for the 2025 pilgrimage.

Mutiu commended the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa for its consistent commitment to the welfare and spiritual development of Muslim faithful in the state.

The pilgrims, drawn from across the 18 local government areas of the state, are expected to depart for Saudi Arabia in batches in the coming days.