2023 Hajj: Perm Sec Bids First Batch of FCT Contingent Farewell

Representative of the Permanent Secretary & Director, Human Resource Management Department, Mallam Bashir Muhammad in a group photograph with some intending pilgrims

By: Prudence Okonna

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Olusade Adesola, has enjoined intending Muslim Pilgrims to the 2023 Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia to be good Ambassadors of the country as they embark on the spiritual journey.

The Permanent Secretary gave this charge Monday, while addressing the first contingent of the 2023 Federal Capital Territory intending pilgrims to the Holy Land at the Hajj Camp, Bassan-Jiwa, Abuja.

His words: “I urge you to be good ambassadors of the FCT and the country at large and pray without ceason for the peaceful coexistence and development of our dear nation. Always remember that we have no other country to call our own other than NIGERIA.”

Adesola, who was represented by the Director, Human Resource Management, Mallam Muhammad Bashir, urged the Pilgrims to take advantage of the spiritual journey to fervently pray for peace and progress of Nigeria and its leadership, particularly as the country welcome a new government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While advising the Pilgrims to also pray for their wellbeing and the nation in general, he reiterated the importance of pilgrimage being one of the pillars of Islam.

His words: “I urge you to rededicate yourselves by focusing on the purpose of the trip to get maximum benefits from the funds and time spent being a religious journey.

Adesola emphasized the commitment of the FCT Administration in sustaining the already set standard by concluding all necessary arrangements for the welfare of its pilgrims in the Holy Land.

“It is the conviction of the Federal capital Territory Administration that pilgrimage to the holy land is a journey of a life time, which every committed Muslim faithful is desirous to accomplish. That is why the Administration, introduced a number of strategies to assist the Residents and other Nigerians wishing to discharge this important religious obligation through the FCT,” the Permanent Secretary restated.
To the officials, Adesola beckoned on them to see their assignment as a trust from Allah and to also enjoined them to ensure they discharge their duties diligently by assisting the intending pilgrims to attain acceptable Hajj.

“The FCT Administration will continue to uphold the tenets that will improve the lives of the residents by supporting interfaith activities,” he assured.

In his welcome address, the Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Abubakar Adamu Evuti called on the accompanying officials to be committed to the assignment entrusted to them on the journey to the holy land.

The Director called on all Intending Pilgrims to be law abiding throughout the religious journey, strictly abide by all policies such as transport system, feeding arrangements, luggage policy, flight schedules.
Evuti emphasized, “be patient, avoid rumour mongering, be responsive and avoid reckless spending and above all, have the fear of Allah (SWT); by always remembering the purpose of your journey”.

He revealed that 300 out the 4,324 Pilgrims that form the first batch of its contingent are due to depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja Tuesday early morning to Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Highlight of the occasion was the symbolic distribution of travel documents to some of the intending pilgrims by the Representative of the Permanent Secretary.