Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has commended the chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheik Hashim Olamide Ateere, on the 2024 Hajj operations, stating that the smoothness of the operations was remarkable.
Governor Makinde, who gave the commendation on Wednesday at the Hijrah 1446 luncheon organised by the state government and held at the Presidential Lodge, Secretariat, Ibadan, encouraged the chairman to let next year operations be even better.
According to him, this is the first time that none of the pilgrims criticized or complained about food shortages, accommodation, or anything related to their welfare.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the hajj chairman for ensuring that the pilgrims had a pleasant stay in Makkah and arrived on schedule, noting that there was no delay in the arrival of the pilgrims’ flight.
He added that the chairman performed creditably well despite being his first task as a political office holder.
In his words: “I could remember when I wanted to serve the good people of Oyo state, they said I don’t have experience nor had ever occupied any position before.
“They said same thing, too, when I wanted to appoint Alhaji Ateere. But I insisted that they should give him the opportunity just as they have given me, too. And I am doing the work perfectly.
“So, on behalf of Oyo state government, I want to sincerely thank the chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheik Hashim Olamide Ateere, on the seamless 2024 Hajj operations.
“You are encouraged. Please, let next year be even better. “