Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged 95 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Patrick Ebojele, yesterday in Benin, said the governor made the call at a farewell ceremony for the intending pilgrims.

According to the statement, the governor was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor. Okpebholo said his administration remained committed to supporting the Muslim community and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims during the Hajj exercise.

The governor noted that his inclusive style of governance had strengthened the relationship between his administration and the Muslim community in the state.

He commended the conduct of Edo pilgrims during previous Hajj exercises, noting that the state’s camp in Saudi Arabia had become a reference point for other states because of its welfare standards and feeding arrangements.

The governor added that pilgrims and officials from other states had praised the Edo camp’s hospitality, particularly the provision of African delicacies, which are rarely available during Hajj operations.