..says Hajj is not about tourism but total spiritual cleansing
The Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, Engr Akeem Olatunji, has advised the leadership of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to put the interest of various tribes into consideration in its meal arrangements for improved service delivery in subsequent Hajj operations.
Olatunji gave the advice on Tuesday in an interview with journalists shortly after his arrival from the 2025 Hajj at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Reflecting on his experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Council boss affirmed that the Hajj Pilgrimage is a total spiritual cleansing for those who truly performed the pilgrimage.
He added that seeing Hajj as tourism by anyone could be attributed to misconception, hence, the need for a change of mind and total commitment to the fifth pillar of Islam if opportune.
He harped on the need for individuals to make sincerity, honesty, and integrity their watch word while calling on Nigerians to always remember Nigeria in prayer.
Olatunji thereafter lauded the arrangements and care accorded Oyo State Pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Board, led by Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP.
“It was a pleasant experience, I think the area that still needs to be improved upon is feeding because we were only served with Northern Nigerian foods by the National Hajj Body”
“ For Oyo State, I think this is one of the best outings the state has ever had. I believe that Sheikh Atere deserves commendation because he took care of all the pilgrims from the state.
” I think we can’t have it better than this because people were given local food. Also, there were periodic counselling as well as the recitation of Quran and preaching which makes many people to be better than what they were from the beginning.
So, I can really give a thumbs-up to Sheikh Atere and Oyo State government because the location of the house is very close to Haram, So, you don’t even have to pay for transport fare, you can easily travel just 10 minutes or 15 minutes trekking distance.
“ So, I really appreciate and commend Sheikh Atere for his wonderful job. It shows that he’s a professional, he’s someone who has the fear of God, we need more of him in government and even in our society.
Olatunji Said further: ” Hajj is not about tourism. Actually, that was my notion before I also embarked on this pilgrimage. But it was on getting there that I discovered that it is a total cleansing, spiritual cleansing, that’s just it. It’s not an easy task. It is for those that really go there to worship God and also to observe the fifth pillar of Islam.
“So, I don’t think there is any other spiritual cleansing that is equivalent to that because you come out clean, and you know that the spiritual power resides in you. So, that’s just it.
“ My message to Nigerians is that we should always put Nigeria, state and local government in prayer wherever we find ourselves.
“ If you go to Saudi Arabia, you will discover that not only that they are putting effort. God is also assisting them.
“We have to be sincere and honest with ourselves because prayer can only be answered when you are sincere and honest.
“ So, I would advise Nigerians to please ensure that they are sincere, honest and maintain their integrity wherever they find themselves. With that, Nigeria has a long way to go, Nigeria will be better.” He concluded.
