Ogun State pilgrims in Saudi Arabia had commended the Amir Hajj, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun for his encouragement and financial support of 50 Riyal each to the 674 pilgrims from the State.

Amir  Hajj received the commendation while disbursing the  50 Riyal to the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

   Recalled that the donation was announced by Alhaji Apelogun on the day of Arafat to subsidise the 375 riyal payment for the purchase of ram slaughtered by each pilgrim on Eid Al Adha.

One of the Pilgrims, Alhaji AbdulGafar Kelani while speaking on the support from the Amir Hajj and the arrangement put in place by  the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, said the State was blessed with good leaders and quality hands-handling and coordinating the Hajj exercise.

 " I don't know how to express my happiness because Ogun State is blessed. As a pilgrim from the State, I just received the 50 riyal financial support from the Amir Hajj and I have enjoyed numerous supports from the State government right from the time we were about to take off in Nigeria. I am also very pleased with the coordination and arrangement put in place by the Ogun State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board; may God bless them," he said.

  Also, a female pilgrim, Alhaja Asisat Korede while commenting on the impacts of the financial support received from the Amir Hajj, said, "This money will assist us to buy some things and support us financially here in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun and his team for their support to the Board, not leaving out the Deputy Governor, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi.

He also commended the Ad-hoc committee of the Board headed by Sheik Iziaq  Oloungbebe.

"I must appreciate the support of our visionary Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and especially commend the support of the Deputy Governor and the Secretary to the State Government. May Almighty Allah continue to be with them. 

"The Chairman of the board and all the board members have also been very supportive in this operation."

  Ajibola also applauded the special role and support of the Amir Hajj, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun, and prayed "God continue to strengthen him as he continues to support the promotion of the work of Almighty Allah."

   On his part, the Amir Hajj prayed for the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the management of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

He appreciated the pilgrims who had been orderly during the exercise while appealing to them to maintain the status quo in their remaining days in Saudi Arabia.