Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has urged 206 Edo Pilgrims who will be leaving for the holy land on May 14, 2025 to be peaceful, disciplined, law abiding and carry with them the Edo values that make the people stand out among their equal.
Gov. Okpebholo gave the charge at the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Benin City to address the intending pilgrims.
The contingent is made up of 206 persons from the state, and they will be airlifted to Mecca on the 14th of May 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq., the governor urged the intending pilgrims to carry with them the values that define Edo people and make them stand out in all they do.
He advised them to be peaceful, disciplined, and make the State proud in Mecca as Edo pilgrims are always exceptional in their pilgrimages to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
He commended the Board for its historic preparations, adding that irs commitment reflects a strong dedication to duty.
“As you prepare to embark on this sacred journey, I urge you to carry with you the values that define us as a people. Be peaceful and disciplined at all times. Represent our State with dignity and uphold the laws and customs of the host nation.
“Let your conduct reflect the teachings of your faith and bring honour to our land. Pray not only for yourselves and your families, but also for the peace, progress, and unity of our dear state and nation. May your pilgrimage be safe, spiritually fulfilling, and accepted,” the governor concluded.
On his part, Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Muhammad Musa Uduimoh, thanked the governor for his inspiring and supportive speech, adding that the governor’s logistical, financial and moral support for the 2025 Hajj has played a vital role in ensuring smooth and safe preparations for the pilgrimage.
Mallam Uduimoh said intending pilgrims from Edo State will be airlifted on Wednesday, 14th May 2025, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the 2025 Hajj.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Eranga AbdulKabir MuhammadKabir, said out of the 206 intending pilgrims from Edo State, 120 are male and 86 are female.
Speaking on behalf of the Edo State intending pilgrims, the Amir Hajj and leader of the delegation, HRH Mallam Ali Sulayman, the Oghieaga of Ibvie in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, commended Governor Okpebholo for his support to the Board.
He noted that the governor’s commitment to religious harmony in the state is highly commendable. The Oghieaga expressed satisfaction and assured the governor of a hitch-free and better organized Hajj exercise this year.
