Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday urged intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state.
He assured them of adequate welfare package.
The governor said this while opening a seminar for pilgrims at the Lagos Television (LTV), Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Lagos.
He urged them to take advantage of the lectures and orientation put together for their spiritual development, adding that they should be mindful of the image of the state and country in their interactions in the holy land.
The governor said it was gratifying that of the 66,000 pilgrims, 3,047 were Lagos residents, making the state the highest in the Southwest.
He said the state needed men and women with the fear of God and religious tolerance, who would sacrifice for the growth and development of the state and nation.
He said: “I am particularly hopeful that you will take advantage of the spiritual benefit of Hajj to imbibe the exalted qualities of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
“More than ever, our state is in dire need of men and women, who have the fear of God; who demonstrate religious tolerance; who are selfless, peaceful and charitable and ready to sacrifice all they have for the growth and development of our state and nation.”
He said he approved several welfare packages to ensure that the safety and security of pilgrims were safeguarded.
Earlier, Guest Lecturer Dr Tajudeen Yusuf, who spoke on “Socio-economic and Ambassadorial Implications of Hajj”, urged the pilgrims to comport themselves in the holy land.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) don said Hajj was a global spiritual exercise and act of worship for total human reflection.
‘’If you successfully observe Hajj, you have won yourself a seat in paradise. ‘It calls for sober reflection, patience, tolerance and endurance, as well as to appreciate God and humanity, ‘’ he said.
Amirul Hajj and Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on 2015 Hajj Alhaji AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem, said the seminar was aimed at developing the right attitude and character worthy of ambassadors of Lagos State in the holyland.
‘’ I urge you to pray for our country, our people, our leaders, but most especially, to pray for us that God would restore those values with which He created us, ‘’ he said.