The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has charged intending pilgrims from the state to be worthy ambassadors of Cross River State and Nigeria as they prepare to depart for the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Holy Land.
Odey gave the charge on Friday while receiving a delegation of the state’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, led by its Chairman, Imam Kabeer Olowolayemo, at his office in Government House, Calabar.
The Deputy Governor stressed the importance of peace, discipline and good conduct throughout the pilgrimage, urging the intending pilgrims to uphold the values and image of the state during their stay in the Holy Land.
He also encouraged them to pray for the continued peace, unity and development of the state and Nigeria at large.
Rt. Hon. Odey further commended the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for its dedication and commitment towards ensuring a smooth and successful pilgrimage exercise for all intending pilgrims from the state.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the board, Imam Kabeer Olowolayemo, expressed appreciation for the support and commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration towards the welfare of the intending pilgrims.
He assured the Deputy Governor that adequate preparations had been made to ensure a hitch-free pilgrimage exercise, noting that the visit to the Deputy Governor formed part of activities ahead of the departure of pilgrims from the state to the Holy Land for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
