The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State, Council of Traditional Rulers,Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has admonished Nigerian pilgrims to eschew all acts of capable of tarnishing the country’s image in Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Abubakar, who also doubles as the national Amirul Hajj for this year’s hajj, stated this at the weekend when he addressed this year’s pilgrims from Niger State in Minna, the state capital.
The traditional ruler warned them against carrying any prohibited items like Kolanuts, drugs as well as other materials bannedby the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s laws to the Holyland.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar advised them to imbibe righteousness, good conduct and strengthen their faith, appealing to them to desist from any act that would portray the state and country in bad light.
The Etsu Nupe cautioned them against indulging in anything that would cause a breach of the peace at home in Nigeria and in Saudi-Arabia.
“Pilgrimage is all about worshipping God. As such, when you are there, pray for yourself, members of your families, the state and Nigeria and have the knowledge of why you are there,” he urged.
The National Amirul Hajj also called on them to dedicate themselves to the acts of worship which took them to the Holyland and not any worldly pursuits.
The monarch also called on the pilgrims to pray fervently to God to assist President Muhammadu Buhari as well as other elected and appointed leaders to succeed in the nation-building process.
His words: “Fervent prayers for them will assist them to overcome the present economic meltdown and security challenges in some parts of the country. The newly elected president needs prayers from all and sundry, and prayer is the only weapon that can put Buhari on the right to path to move the country forward.”
The Etsu Nupe called on them to ensure personal and environmental hygiene while in Saudi Arabia, and to take caution while crossing roads because of heavy traffic during pilgrimage period.
He said: “Ensuring proper and clean environment will give you good health that will enable you do hajj effectively”.
The Royal father also advised the pilgrims against patronising unhygienic restaurants to avoid eating contaminated food. This, he noted, would have negative consequences on their health as well as the smooth performance of the hajj.
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