… Laud Chairman Uduimoh’s service delivery

BY ABDUL-KADIR ABDULLAH

The Edo State pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise have held a special prayer session ahead of the official commencement of Hajj rites proper. 

In a report shared by Abdulateef Muhammad of Subtle Media Network, who is a member of the NAHCON National Media Team in the 2025 Hajj, the gathering, which took place recently at Hotel Maqam Al Nokhba, their accommodation in Makkah, was marked by supplications for peace, good health of the pilgrims and guidance of Allah.

In a WhatsApp voice note by the Chairman, Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh who led the prayers together with the State Amirul-Hajj, HRH, Mallam Ali D. Sulayman and the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Eranga AbdulKabir Muhammadkabir the prayer is a spiritual readiness to seek Allah’s intervention  before embarking on the sacred rites of Hajj.

He added that the prayer session also served as a moment of reflection and unity among the pilgrims, many of whom expressed gratitude to the leadership of the pilgrims and the opportunity Allah has given them to fulfill this religious obligation.

The pilgrims are expected to proceed to Mina in the coming days as they prepare for the peak of Hajj which includes standing at Arafat, Muzdalifah and the symbolic stoning at the Jamarat.

Meanwhile, the Edo State pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 hajj have lauded the Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musah Muhammad Uduimoh, for what they described as exemplary service delivery.

This commendation followed a heartwarming experience in Makkah, where pilgrims were treated to traditional Nigerian meals while awaiting the commencement of the Hajj rites.

According to a report filed by Abdullateef Muhammad of Subtle MEDIA Network, who is part of the NAHCON National Media Team for Hajj 2025, the thoughtful meal triggered widespread gratitude among the pilgrims, many of whom expressed deep appreciation to Chairman Uduimoh for his hands-on leadership and commitment.

The report quoted pilgrims chanting, “You are the best! You are the best!” over a phone call, as they relished a specially curated menu of beloved Nigerian dishes.

Alhaji Abubakar Akokhia, a chieftain of the APC in Etsako West Local Government Area, described the meals as “a comforting taste of home in a foreign land.” 

He revealed that the dishes included amala with ewedu soup and pounded yam served with rich egusi soup, offering both nourishment and nostalgia.

Another pilgrim, Alhaji Ismail Momoh, commended not just the food, but the overall welfare arrangements. 

“This is the first time we are seeing this level of care. The Chairman treats us with respect and humility. He is both a father and a servant to us on this journey,” he said.

Two other pilgrims, Musa Jafaru and Bekisu Yakubu, expressed delight at being served traditional meals in such a setting. “Eating amala and pando yam in Mecca was a surprise. God bless the organisers,” they remarked.

In separate WhatsApp calls, Chairman Uduimoh and the Board’s Executive Secretary, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, expressed gratitude to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his team, particularly the Secretary to the State Government, for their unwavering support.

Chairman Uduimoh stated, “We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, for his support. The SSG has been wonderful. We also appreciate the pilgrims for their prayers and cooperation. Their comfort and spiritual success during Hajj remain our top priority.”