The newly appointed Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing), Alhaji Hashim Atere, on Sunday, appreciated the State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for his appointment.
Atere, an Ibadan man but a Saudi-trained Islamic Scholar, paid glowing tributes to the governor during a special prayer and congratulatory visit paid to him by some communities in Ibadan land.
The representatives of the Communities who thronged his residence on Sunday included people from Idigbaro-Ologuneru; Elenusonso; Alafara and Ile-Tuntun, all in Ibadan, the State capital.
The residents, comprising Muslim faithful from the aforementioned areas counseled and prayed for the success of the new Hajj Board Chairman.
Responding, Atere said his appointment to lead the Hajj Board has provided him the opportunity to bring to bear, his wonderful relationship with the Ulamas and his connection in Saudi Arabia.
Atere specially thanked the State Governor for finding him worthy, stressing that ‘the Governor is a man with the fear of Allah who holds Islamic leaders and indeed Muslim adherents in a very high esteem.”
According to him, “But for the Governor’s respect for the Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, the appointment would have been practically impossible. But the Governor stood his ground and insisted that it must be the Chief Imam’s nominee, hence my appointment.
“It is my sincere prayer to Almighty Allah that the Governor succeeds and overcomes all challenges before him, for the State to benefit more from his wonderful service to humanity.
“Please, let’s remember the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is in our prayers daily. The Governor, though a Christian, has shown that he has respect for the men of God as exemplified in what he has done to the Chief Imam of Ibadan land.
“Our Baba, the Chief Imam, deserves our appreciation and prayers to live longer to continue to lead the Muslim communities in Ibadan and Oyo State in general. Help me to thank the Chief Imam when you visit him, soon,” Atere charged the community members.
In his new position, Atere said he was ready to make the Governor proud by taking decisions in consultations with the Islamic leaders, board members, and well-spirited people around the Governor to reposition the board for greater and better service delivery.
Said he, “I am ready to make Oyo Hajj Board the best in Nigeria. And if it deserves to sacrifice my salary, I am ready to make a difference and justify the confidence of His Excellency.
“Since it is Allah’s will, grace, and honour to pave the way for me despite daunting obstacles and challenges before the announcement last Wednesday, I am a very young person and opportunities still abound for me in the future, I will therefore sacrifice my time, energy, and resources to make remarkable changes on the board.
“All pending matters among a number of intending pilgrims will be resolved and everybody will be proud of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
“I don’t fear death, and I am ready to step on toes to make the board an enviable institution because my ultimate goal in life is to make heaven (Aljanah) and will not do anything to suffer the poor and favour the rich.
“From next week, we will change the environment at Olodo, Hajj secretariat for the better. I am ready to use my money to start my goals for the board and a top government official who I contacted said I can go ahead with my dreams even if it will demand my money and time to make a difference.
“I am not going there to make money but to make a name for myself and make Muslims and the government proud they have a reliable Hajj Board,” Atere said.
While seeking prayers, understanding, and cooperation from all to succeed in this daunting task, Atere also assured that he would use the position to sacrifice for God and religion and not to make himself richer at the expense of our people.
