ZUL-HAJJ 14 1430 A.H.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 1 2009.
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Kano pilgrims urged to respect return order
From MUH’D HAMISU ABDULLAHI, Makkah
AS return journey of Nigerian pilgrims begins today, the pilgrims, especially those from Kano state, have been enjoined to respect the order of first to arrive first to leave the Holyland.
“If the pilgrims remain orderly in the Holyland, the attitude will boost the image of the country and Kano state among the nationalities of the world that gathered here in Saudi Arabia,” Kano state Amirul-Hajj, AIG Bashir Albasu (rtd) has remarked.
He made the remark when he led members of Kano Delegation Hajj 2009 to visit the state pilgrims’ tents in Mina, in Saudi Arabia.
AIG Albasu who is the district head of Albasu local government in Kano state and Katikan Kano, further said the orderly manner of the pilgrims would no doubt make Nigeria and Nigerians respected in Saudi Arabia.
The Amirul-Hajj who expressed appreciation for the good conduct of the state pilgrims in the Holyland, also thanked the state governor, Malam (Dr.) Ibrahim Shekarau, Sardaunan Kano and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero for providing the enabling environment and support to his team and the pilgrims right from Nigeria and in the Holyland.
He said the Director General of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sani Lawan Kofar Mata and other members of the board of directors of the organisation, have done well in making good arrangement that made this year’s pilgrimage a success, thanking them for their effort in making the
exercise hitch-free.
He thanked members of the 11-Man Committee set up in the Holyland to take charge of the feeding exercise of the state pilgrims in Mina and Arafat under the headship of Alhaji Kofar Mata, for a job well done.
He said they have done the state proud, saying that due to their dedication and perseverence, the feeding exercise did not record any hitch, pointing out that all the Kano pilgrims were well fed in both Mina and Arafat as instructed by Governor Shekarau.
According to him, the feeding exercise indicates the seriousness and importance Governor Shekarau attaches to Hajj exercise, calling on the pilgrims to pray for the governor for more success in the future.
He also urged the pilgrims to pray for the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero and other leaders of the nation for guidance and protection from Allah.
He said as Nigerians in general have no other country than Nigeria, they should fervently pray for its success, prosperity and progress, adding that its leaders need prayers from the pilgrims.
He also called for prayers for President Umaru Musa Yar’adua over his health condition, stressing that the pilgrims should also pray for their safe return.
Albasu, who also visited tents for female pilgrims, used the opportunity to remind women in general on their motherly duties in the community, saying that as moulders of good behaviour in the upbringing of children in the country, they should not forget to help the children (tomorrow’s leaders of the country) with prayers so that Nigeria can achieve the position of being a better society for all.
The district head said cases of abondoned children in Nigeria are going at an alarming rate, describing the phenomenon as disturbing among Nigerian families, stressing that the problem must be dealt with.
He urged the female pilgrims to respect their matriomy and dignity in the Holyland, adding that they should also pray fervently for the success of their husbands in their efforts to move the families to a more respected and dignified status.
