By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The head of Kaduna State pilgrims delegation to Saudi Arabia and Amir Hajj, the Emir of Lere, Engr Suleiman Umar has noted that Nigeria needs divine intervention in order to exit from its present challenges.
The Emir who implored pilgrims to pray for the nation’s peace and progress, also underscored the importance of Arafat day in the entire Hajj exercise.
The Amirul Hajj made the call at the Pilgrims’ tent at Arafat in Saudi Arabia, after observing the combined Zuhur and Asir prayers in congregation on Saturday.
Engr Umar noted that in spite of the security challenges in some parts of the state and the high cost of Hajj fare this year, Kaduna State still has the highest number of pilgrims in the country.
It will be recalled that pilgrims paid between N6.6 million to N8.2 million per Hajj seat this year and Kaduna State conveyed 4785 pilgrims to the Holiday Land.
Speaking in the same vein, Hon Jamilu Yusuf Albani, the Chairman on Committee on Hajj and Religious Affairs in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, said that it is incumbent on the citizenry to pray for the success of their leaders.
Hon Albani who cited several Qur’anic verses to buttress the need for prayers, pointed out that Muslims should be good ambassadors of their religion wherever they find themselves.
Also speaking at the Arafat sermon, the Executive Chairman of Kaduna State pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S Abubakar, prayed for the success of Kaduna State Government and Governor Uba Sani.
The Chairman thanked the Governor for giving him and the other Board members the assignment of conducting this year’s pilgrimage.
He said that Governor Uba Sani has been of immense assistance to the pilgrims Agency, adding that he gave them whatever they requested.
According to Malam Salihu, the Governor’s support is responsible for the successful airlift of pilgrims and the Hajj exercise.
The Chairman also thanked fellow board members, management and staff of the Agency, as well as pilgrim officials for the success recorded in this year’s operation.
The Director General of Interfaith Bureau, Barrister Tahir Umar Tahir also prayed for safe return of the pilgrims back home.
Hon Nazir Abubakar, the House of Assembly member representing Kawo constituency, also prayed for peace and harmony in Kaduna State and the nation at large.