By Esther Wright
In a significant gathering on Friday, July 12, 2024 at State House, President Julius Maada Bio welcomed Hajj pilgrims returning from the holy land of Mecca. The head of the Hajj Presidential taskforce, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, expressed profound gratitude to President Bio for his unwavering support. He highlighted the government’s crucial role in ensuring the pilgrims’ successful journey.
Sesay extended thanks to several government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, Immigration Department, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, and the Airport Authority, for their assistance throughout the process. He reported that of the 640 pilgrims who embarked on the pilgrimage, there was only one death, bringing the number of returnees to 639.
During the event, Chief Imam Shiek Kutubu Konneh delivered a poignant sermon, urging the pilgrims to act as agents of peace and ambassadors of nation-building by embracing the virtuous behaviors observed in Mecca. He also encouraged support for the government’s “Feed Salone” initiative, which aims to ensure food sufficiency in the country.
President Bio, in his address, commended the task force for their diligent efforts in organizing a successful Hajj. He called upon the pilgrims to promote peace within their communities and highlighted the importance of adhering to the new law prohibiting child marriage. The President urged the pilgrims to help in spreading awareness about this law.
“I encourage you all to continue praying for Sierra Leone and its leaders, for Allah to bless us with peace,” President Bio concluded.
The event marked a moment of reflection and unity as the nation celebrated the pilgrims’ safe return and the spiritual significance of their journey.
