The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board will from tomorrow starts weekend lectures/orientation programme for its intending hajj pilgrims.
The Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede, said this during a meeting with the Ulamau (clerics) working with the board on Hajj and Umrah operations, at the conference room of the agency.
Onipede said the weekend orientation programme was necessary to educate all the intending pilgrims about the complex nature and rigours of the hajj exercise in order to adequately prepare them ahead of the exercise.
He added that the lectures would afford them the opportunity of knowing all they needed to know about the performance of the Hajj rites especially in both Muna and Arafah as well as in the Jamarat (site for throwing of pebbles) with a view to achieving a rewarding and acceptable Hajj by Allah.
According to him, the weekend orientation programme which would hold every Saturday and Sunday would run simultaneously in all the Local Government Areas of the state.
He enjoined the intending pilgrims to attend and take advantage of the programme with a view to getting more acquainted with the exercise, adding that the programme is also an avenue for them to get more information from the Board through their respective Local Government’s Schedule Officers (coordinators), interact and familiarise with one another before their departure to the Holy Land.
He also sought the support and cooperation of the Ulamau, saying their role is critical to every Hajj operation embarked upon by the state.
He said: “Let me appeal to all the members of the Ulamau to exhibit great commitment and dedication to the Hajj exercise in order for the State to maintain its leadership position in Hajj operation throughout the country. Your role is therefore very critical in preparing and educating the intending pilgrims about the Hajj rites”.
Onipede urged the Executive Committee led by Imam Raji Opeyemi to appeal to their members to show commitment and contribute efficiently and effectively to the success of the spiritual exercise by participating fully.
He added that Ojo and Badagry Local Governments which hitherto held their lectures jointly have now been separated with a view to allowing them benefit from the lectures in their respective areas and reduce the stress usually being faced when traveling from Badagry town to Ojo local government for the lectures.
Chairman of the Ulamau, Imam Opeyemi appreciated the Secretary for the privilege of the meeting. He promised a cordial working relationship with the schedule officers and the intending pilgrims in order to actualise a successful operation this year.
While stressing further that his members would equally undergo orientation before the commencement of the weekend lectures, he gave assurances that any member who violates laid down procedures would be sanctioned accordingly.
Director of Operations, Shamsideen Akanni urged the Ulamau to effectively play their role of training the intending pilgrims on every aspect of the spiritual obligation. He also advised them to give their female counterparts the freedom to interact and train the female intending pilgrims separately, saying that women usually express themselves freely when they are amongst themselves.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
