Hajj 2024: Lagos pilgrims remember late Abibat Mogaji, as first batch depart Makkah for Lagos on Sunday
A special prayer session has been organized by the Lagos State Musim Pilgrims Welfare Board to commemorate the 11th years remembrance anniversary of late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The prayer which was held on Friday at the Mosque of Alsaad Flower Hotel 2, Misfalah, Makkah, was led by the Chairmam of the Ulamah (clerics), Imam Raji Opeyemi while the Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, Board members, pilgrims and other stakeholders were in attendance.
Speaking on the attribute of late Abibatu Mogaji, a member of the Muslim Pilgrims Board, Prof. Kabir Paramole, described her as a pious, dedicated, committed and devout Muslim during her lifetime. He explained that her personal sacrifices and efforts at ensuring that Hajj performance becomes easy for Nigerians were second to none, hence, her nickname, ‘Mama nMakkah’.
The occasion was used to remember late Alh. AbdurRasaq Aremu Gawat and Alhaja Ramota Bankole who died recently in Makkah, as well as other departed souls, praying Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljanat Fridaos.
Prayers were also offered for the success of the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces as well as the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
Meanwhile, the Board has concluded arrangements for the return trips of the 1,869 pilgrims that performed this year’s Holy pilgrimage through the State.
The Amir-ul-Hajj and Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, disclosed this while speaking at the remembrance prayer session. He said that 188 pilgrims comprising of the elders, those with health issues and the ‘Lagos Internationals’ i.e. pilgrims from USA and Europe, would depart on Sunday, June 23, on the same flight with Kebbi State pilgrims.
He stressed further that the full flight of the State would continue on Monday, June 24 with the second batch and this would run on ‘first-in, first-out basis’, which means that there won’t be preferential treatment for any pilgrims, except if occasion warrants it. He added that the status quo ante would remain until the last batch of pilgrims are airlifted back home.
While wishing them journey mercy, Hon. Layode urged them to guide their new status jealousy, saying that as new Alhajis and Alhajas, they are like newly born babies without any sins. He added that in line with Islamic principle, their new status remains intact till at least 41 days if they can avoid committing sins.
He also admonished them to allow the exemplary conducts they exhibited whilst in the Holy land reflect in their dealings with others in every sphere of human endeavors when they return to Nigeria, so that people can find them worthy of emulation.
While reiterating his advice that the pilgrims should maintain the 32kg allowed for the main luggage by the airline, Hon. Layode warned them to desist from carrying water and any other liquid items in their luggage. He assured them that a five kilograms ZamZam water has already been transported to Nigeria for each of them.
He appealed to those yet to be airlifted to exercise patience as necessary plans have been put in place to ensure that everyone is airlifted back to Nigeria within the shortest period of time.
Taofeek Lawal
Asst. Director
(Public Affairs)
