Pilgrims from Ogun State in Saudi Arabia have commended the Amir Hajj, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun for his generous donation and financial support of 50 riyals to each of the 674 pilgrims from the State.
The donation which was announced by the Amir Hajj on the day of Arafat was done to subsidize the 100 dollars payment for the purchase of ram slaughtered by each of the pilgrims on Eid Al Adha.
Speaking about the financial support from the Amir Hajj and the arrangement put in place by the Ogun State Government, through the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, one of the pilgrims, Alhaji Lukman Adewale said Ogun State is blessed with good leaders and quality hands handling and coordinating the Hajj exercise.
He said ” I don’t know how to express my happiness because Ogun State is blessed. As a pilgrim from the State, I just received the 50 riyals financial support from the Amir Hajj and I have enjoyed numerous supports from the state government right from the time we were about to take off in Nigeria. I am also very pleased with the coordination and arrangement put in place by the Ogun State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board; may God bless them.”
While commenting on the impacts of the financial support from the Amir Hajj, Alhaja Sarat Ibikunle said “this money will assist us to buy some things and support our financial strength here in Saudi Arabia.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun and his team for the support they are giving to the Board, with special recognition to the Deputy Governor, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi.
He also commended the Ad-hoc committee of the board headed by Sheik Iziaq Zakariyah Oloungbebe.
“I must appreciate the support of our visionary Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and I have to specially commend the support of the Deputy Governor and the Secretary to the State Government. May Almighty Allah continue to be with them.
“The Chairman of the board and all the board members have also been very supportive in this operation.”
The Executive Secretary also eulogized the special role and support of the Amir Hajj for 2025, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun and pray “God continue to strengthen him as he continues to support the promotion of the work of Almighty Allah.”
The Amir Hajj on his part pray for the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the management of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He also expressed appreciation to the pilgrims who have been orderly during the exercise and appealed to them to maintain the standard for their remaining days in Saudi Arabia.
