Atere Appreciates Gov. Makinde on Appointment as Hajj Prigrims Board Chair

The newly appointed Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing), Alhaji Hashim Atere has expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for his appointment.

Atere, an Ibadanman , and a Saudi-trained Islamic Scholar 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.

 Atere, during a special prayer and congratulatory visit paid on him by some communities in Ibadanland pledged “I am ready to make Oyo Hajj Board the best in Nigeria. And if it deserves sacrificing my salaries, I am ready to make a difference and justify the confidence of His Excellency.

It is my sincere prayer to Almighty Allah that the Governor succeeds and overcome 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 in our prayers on daily basis. 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 Ibadanland.

“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 pay him a visit, soon,” Atere charged the community members.

“Since it is Allah’s will, grace and honour to pave way for me despite daunting obstacles and challenges prior to the announcement last Wednesday, I am a very young person and opportunities are still abound for me in future, I will therefore sacrifice my time, energy and resources to make remarkable changes on the board.

“All pending matters amongst on 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 personal money to start-off 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 name for myself and make Muslims and government proud they have a reliable Hajj Board,” Atere 

The representatives of the Communities who visited his residence on Sunday included people from Idigbaro-Ologuneru; Elenusonso; Alafara and Ile-Tuntun, all in Ibadan, the State capital.