In a bid to give back to society and assignment from God, a philanthropist, Hon. Francis Bartholomew Chima popularly known as OmoBarca has sponsored twelve pilgrims in Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal constituency of Lagos State on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj.
According to a statement issued by his media aide, Obinna Francis Solace, OmoBarca said the criteria for selection of beneficiaries includes being a committed Muslim faithful known to be religious enough to deserve the honour of hajj as well as being a resident of Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA.
The statement said the selected pilgrims will depart for Saudi Arabia by the end of May.
In their responses after the prayer and dinner session that took place at his office, the beneficiaries expressed delight and excitement about the impending religious exercise.
They offered prayers for their sponsor, Omobarca, and asked God to continue blessing and providing for him and as well prayed for his family, business, and political career.
In his remarks, OmoBarca assured the lucky pilgrims that the trip will be a yearly occurrence.
He also advised them to pray for themselves more when they arrive in Saudi Arabia, adding that he will be very happy to see them make progress in their works of life and family upon their return from the holy exercise.
He also encouraged them to be good ambassadors of Ajeromi Ifelodun and Nigeria.
Among the personalities that graced the event included Hon. Gbenga Adeniyi PDP candidate for House of Representatives, Ikeja federal constituency, Hon. Charles Ejimadu, Director General, OmoBarca Campaign Team, Mr. Chinedu Anigbo aka Baggio, Mr. Obinna Stephen aka Obyno-China, Alhaja Shittu Adenike a 2022 Hajj beneficiary, Hon. Kazeem Ojeleye (Media) and Mr. Obinna Francis Solace.
Reports say Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) by Muslim faithful in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the world. Hajj 1444H (2023) is due to start on 26 June 2023.
The Lagos State government approved the sum of N3,200,000.00 as being total fare to be paid by Intending Pilgrims performing the Year 2023 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The fare and other expenses for 12 beneficiaries were paid by OmoBarca.
In other news, Kanyi Daily reported that operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted a large consignment of methamphetamine.
The consignment was concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom at the SAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos.
