………..Be vigilant of your personal safety.
Chima Azubuike, Gombe state.
The governor of Gombe state Alh. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, has appealed to Gombe pilgrims to stay off Drugs, Prostitution and money laundering. The governor stated this at the farewell ceremony of 1,460 men and women for 2019 pilgrimage at the state Muslims pilgrimage board. He said “I enjoin you to perform this year’s hajj with every sense of Righteousness, Humility and Decency. I’m delighted to note that a total of 1,460 are expected to perform the exercise, which is a departure of last year’s 1,200. Over the years pilgrims from Gombe state have been commended for their self discipline and perseverance. This has earned the state a good reputation around the world. You must strive to sustain this record, you must stay away from anything that will dent the image of Gombe state and Nigeria. “
Stay clear drug trafficking which attracts a death penalty, avoid money laundering, prostitution, running away and foul language” he added.
The Emir of Gombe, HRH Abubakar, who doubles as the AlmirulHajj, encouraged 2019 pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state he said “Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. ” We employ the 1,460 participants from Gombe state to obey the rules and regulations of the holy land and to bring honour to our state and country. I want to extend our gratitude to His Excellency Alh. Inuwa Yahaya, for extending support to participants ” he noted.
Executive Secretary of Gombe Pilgrimage board Alh. Saadu Hassan Adamu, who expressed gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, for the opportunity to serve. He said “So far we have done a lot in the preparation of this year’s pilgrimage as we speak we have secured visa for 1,250 pilgrims and we have given them their PTA. Tomorrow we will commence the airlift of 560 pilgrims. Once we finish with this batch, our next flight will be in five days (5) days time, not that we are not ready but it is from Air carriers. Initially we had challenge training them on certain activities of Hajj. We have taken our time to teach them on what to do. Am very sure Gombe pilgrims are well behaved and knowledgeable. They will be fed twice a day, the governor has taken care of a befitting accommodation for them” he assured.
Speaker of Gombe state house of Assembly, Secretary of the state government and Head of Service were among the dignitaries that attended the farewell ceremony.