The National Hajj Commission Board on Tuesday pledged its support for the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing).
The National Hajj Commission Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan also appreciated the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for appointing Alhaji Hashim Atere as the chairman of the board in the State.
Alhaji Hassan spoke when he received Atere in his office in Abuja on Tuesday.
Hassan said he has heard so many wonderful things about the new Hajj Chairman, Atere and assured him of his unflinching support to succeed in the task before him.
He also tasked Atere on why he must be steadfast and work assiduously towards making the board a model for others across the country to emulate.
“Our vision is to see Oyo State on top in the Hajj exercise and welfare of the pilgrims.
“Oyo State is a Pacesetter State and must therefore occupy that vantage position in the running of the affairs of Hajj Board.
“Let me assure you of our unalloyed supports from here. We will try our best for you to record tremendous success in your new appointment,” Hassan added.
Responding, Atere expressed satisfaction on the warm reception and love shown to him during the visit.
He told his guest about the special interest that the Governor has in the progress of the board and the support he has rendered and still rendering to the State pilgrims on yearly basis.
Atere hinted that the Governor, despite being a Christian had embarked on several projects at the Hajj Camp in Olodo, Ibadan for the greater good of intending Hajj pilgrims and the generality of Muslim community in the State.
He said the Governor’s plan for the Board was unparalleled, adding that, “for me, it is a great honour working with His Excellency who means well for the annual spiritual exercise of pilgrims in Mecca and Medina.
“The Governor has shown capacity to continue to support the Board especially now that he recently appointed me to be in charge.
“And with the Governor’s support and timely response to our requests and needs, the Hajj Board in the State will be the best in Nigeria. I have pledged to sacrifice to ensure we record tremendous success in the board.
“We will be good ambassadors for our State and Nigeria as a whole. And I appreciate the love shown to me by the National Hajj Commission,” Atere remarked.
