By Barth Ndubuwah, Port-Harcourt
The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has tasked Moslems embarking on the 2024 Hajj (pilgrimage) to fully participate in the spiritual exercise and be good ambassadors of the State.
The Governor, who also subsidised the cost of the 2024 Hajj for the Pilgrims in Rivers State, told them to count themselves privileged to be part of the exercise, and be sure to derive the expected spiritual upliftment and well-being from the exercise.
Governor Fubara gave the charge Tuesday at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa, Rivers State, where the Pilgrims were awaiting to be airlifted .
The Governor, who also extended the gesture to pilgrims of other States in the South-South and South-East zones, urged them to have in mind the many challenges experienced in the country so that they can pray fervently for the enthronement of a better Rivers State and Nigeria.
“We are here to see your faces and wish you well. And to also say, you are privileged to embark on this spiritual journey. What you owe the country and the State is prayers for a better State.
“We believe strongly that you are going to be very great ambassadors of the State, and that you will not do anything to bring any form of shame to us too.
“So, I want to join the Hajj Commission, and everyone who had supported in one way or the other to make this a reality, to say journey mercies to you. Come back with blessings that will foster development and growth to our dear country,”the Governor.
In his response, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Deprieye, explained that they are 47 pilgrims sponsored by the Rivers State Government and a private pilgrim, who are ready for airlifting.
Alhaji Deprieye noted that without the support of Governor Fubara and the Almighty God, the exercise would not have been possible.
“We have 47 pilgrims sponsored by Rivers State Government and one private pilgrim who will be embarking on this year’s Hajj.
“Your Excellency, we don’t know what to say. What you’ve done for us, it is only prayers that we will use to say thank you and to also be peaceful and law abiding citizens.
“Your Excellency, indeed, the Muslim Umar in the State are happy for what you have done for the Muslim faithful. Right from inception as Governor of this State, the welfare of Muslims in this State has been paramount to you.
“Your Excellency, we had issues on Hajj subsidy, but you are the first Governor to address it and fulfill your promise. You are also the first Governor in this country, who paid the Hajj dues before the deadline. It’s something we need to say ‘thank you and God bless you,”he added.
Alhaji Deprieye said the pilgrims before him would be leaving the shores of Nigeria later in the evening to perform the Hajj rites for this year, 2024.
While returning from the airport, Governor Fubara made a detour to visit the scene of Tuesday morning accident that involved a gas tanker that fell over a car on the Obiri-Ikwerre Interchange Flyover and exploded.
The Governor, who was conducted round the scene by his Special Adviser on Environmental Sanitation, Prince Obi Ohia, was briefed on how fire service men responded promptly to contain the situation from escalation.
At the time of the visit, charred remains of the tanker was seen at the scene of the accident, with heavy duty crane attempting to tow it off the road to a safer place.