Gov Caleb Mutfwang has urged the 1,232 intending pilgrims from Plateau for the 2024 Hajj to remember the state in their prayers.

The governor spoke on Saturday during the farewell ceremony organised by the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Board (PMPB) for intending pilgrims in Jos.

The state government had paid for 540 of the 1,232 to enable them to participate in the religious exercise.

The governor urged participants to represent the state well in the holy land, and pray for peace and unity.

“Today marks a significant moment as the esteemed intending pilgrims of Plateau State embark on a sacred journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.

“It is with a heart full of pride and prayers that I bid you farewell.

“As you step forward to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam, you carry with you not only your personal aspirations but also the collective hopes and spiritual yearnings of our beloved state.

“The Hajj is a journey like no other, a pilgrimage that calls for deep reflection, unwavering faith, and a commitment to the path of righteousness. 

“It is in recognition of the significance of this act of worship that my administration, under the ‘TIME IS NOW’ initiative, has been providing unwavering support to the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

“Please, remember our dear State in your prayers and supplications, not only for enduring peace but for sustainable peace and unity,” he said.

Mr Mutfwang called on indigenes and residents in the state to collaborate with government toward ensuring sustained development in the state.

“The time has come and the Time is Now for us to build a peaceful and united Plateau State, laying the foundation for meaningful development across all our Local Government Areas.

“I want to emphasise that as the Chief Security Officer of the State, I am committed to treating all citizens of the State with utmost fairness,” he said.

The governor said he would continue to run a transparent and all-inclusive government.

“We are determined to treat everybody fairly and justly, irrespective of your tribe, religion and where you come from,” he said.

He prayed for the pilgrims to experience a successful and fulfilling time in the holy land.

Earlier, Daiyabu Dauda, the executive secretary of the State Pilgrims Board, urged participants to conduct themselves well during the pilgrimage.

He commended the state government for the assistance rendered to the board since his appointment seven months back, and for the upcoming pilgrimage.

“Our intending pilgrims, while wishing you acceptable pilgrimage, I want to admonish that you do not carry any illicit substances or items to the holy land.

“I also encourage you all to shun all acts that are capable of denting the image of our dear state. 

“Be good ambassadors of the state,” he said further.

Three of the intending pilgrims, Rukayya Mohammed, Auwallu Jibril and Samira Baban Mallam, expressed gratitude to the state government for the support rendered.

Ambassador Yahaya Kwande is the 2024 ‘Amirull hajj”, who will lead the delegation for the 2024 pilgrimage.

(NAN)