Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, on Friday in Benin, inaugurated a new Hajj camp for the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Mr Obaseki said the project was part of his administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of Muslim faithful in the state.

“We urgently completed this Hajj camp because we know the usefulness of the camp.

“The aim is to provide a befitting facility that will help serve as a meeting point and coordinating point for Hajj activities and also for the welfare of pilgrims in the state,” he said.

The governor commended the Muslim community for their contribution to peace and stability in the state, saying, “You have helped me to promote peace in Edo State.

“I can recall very vividly those days when you had a lot of tension in the country, a lot of tension in the states between religious sects. You managed the situation in the state very well and peacefully.”

Mr Obaseki stressed the importance of partnering with religious clerics to address the needs of citizens.

“When citizens are in pain, when they have hardships, when they are troubled, very few of them have access to Government House.

“But every Friday, if you go to the mosque, you find people who don’t have food, people who cannot eat, people who are sick, who need help,” he said.

The governor also inaugurated a new board for the agency headed by Ibrahim Oyarekhua.

He charged the board members to work towards the benefit of the Muslim community in the state.

The governor was honoured with the most Muslim-friendly governor in South-South Nigeria by the Independent Hajj Reporters.

The national coordinator of the reporters association, Ibrahim Mohammad, who presented the award to the governor, praised Mr Obaseki’s efforts for promoting social cohesion and the welfare of Muslims in the state.

Mr Mohammad also presented an award of the most disciplined Hajj official for 2024 Hajj operations to the board chairman.

In his address, the chairman of the board, Mr Oyarekhua, expressed his gratitude to Mr Obaseki, stating, “It has been good working with you for these eight years.”

The chairman underscored the importance of unity and collaboration, saying, “We were brought together to work together, and it is because of our collective efforts that we have achieved so much.”

The chairman also cautioned against allowing mischief-makers to cause confusion in the board, saying, “We must not be manipulated by those who are always out to create greater confusion.”

He prayed for divine guidance and protection for the governor, particularly as his tenure was drawing to an end.

(NAN)