Date Published: 11/01/09

Oni charges Ekiti intending muslim pilgrims

Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni has charged intending Muslim pilgrims in the State to distinguish themselves as pious adherent of the Islamic faith during their stay in the Holy land.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Wale Ojo-Lanre , Governor Oni urged the intending pilgrims to steer clear of any act that can tarnish the image of the State and bring the Islamic religion to ridicule.

The governor, who also called on the pilgrims to abide by the laws and policies of the Saudi Arabian government, enjoined them to see the pilgrimage as a life time opportunity of fulfilling one of the sacred tenets of Islam.

While urging the pilgrims to offer supplications to the Almighty Allah (SWT), for peace and progress of the State, Governor Oni noted that it was only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony that development can take place. He added that his administration has remained at the vanguard of peaceful co-existence among various religions in the State.

The governor reiterated the commitment of his government to making life more meaningful for all residents of the State irrespective of the religious and political leanings, saying; “Like their Christian counterparts, Muslims in the State have enjoyed the micro credit scheme and other intervention programmes of the government.

“We have disbursed funds through our eminent Muslim Clerics and various Islamic organisations. We have also been able to save many lives through the Medical Intervention Programme (MIP). What we therefore need from our brothers and sisters in Islam, who are going to perform this year’s Holy Pilgrimage, is continuous support through prayers because with Allah (SWT), nothing is impossible.”