LAGOS PRESENTS HAJJ CERTIFICATES TO 3,047 PILGRIMS

The certificates were presented just as the National Hajj Commission said efforts are ongoing to collaborate with the Saudi Arabia Government in the search for Nigerians that are still missing in the stampede which claimed hundreds of lives during the hajj exercise.

Speaking while presenting the certificates to the pilgrims, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AdbulLateef AbdulHakeem said the presentation was meant to remind the pilgrims of the need to be law abiding.

The Commissioner, who described the presentation of the certificates as parts of the state government moves to acknowledge the participation of the pilgrims in the 2015 hajj exercise.

He reminded the pilgrims of their need to be partner in the development of Lagos State, adding that they must contribute to the security and traffic management in the state.

“We are giving you these certificates to remind you that you are ambassadors of God. You must be of virtuous conduct at all times and comply with the law of the land.

“Lagos State is spending a lot of efforts increase the spiritual development of all Lagosians whether they are travelling to Mecca or Jerusalem. So, when they return, they will become asset to the government and law abiding citizens.”

On his part, Southwest Commissioner, National Hajj Commission, Fuad Adeyemi, said that the federal government and Saudi Arabia Government are already collaborating on a hitch-free 2016 hajj.

“The National Hajj commission is doing a lot. As I am talking to you, the number of people that are still missing. The figure was 247 are confirmed dead, 2 still in the hospital. But efforts are ongoing to search for other missing pilgrims”.