Seeking Forgiveness Brings Divine Blessings To Mankind - Imam Abdulazzez

 

Seeking Forgiveness Brings Divine Blessings To Mankind - Imam Abdulazzez

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Islamic Affairs, Imam (Dr.) Abdulrasheed Adewale , Abdulazzez  has urged Muslim faithful and particularly, Oyo State pilgrims in Mecca to continually seek forgiveness from Allah, describing Istighfar as a pathway to divine mercy, peace and abundant blessings.

The Governor's Aide gave the admonition on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, during a sermon delivered at Diyar El Shaab Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as part of activities for the ongoing 2026 Hajj exercise.

In his sermon, Imam Abdulrasheed emphasized that seeking forgiveness from Allah brings numerous spiritual and worldly benefits, including guidance, protection, increased provision and inner tranquility. He noted that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives those who sincerely repent and remain steadfast in obedience to His commandments.

“Allah forgave Prophet Adam and his wife, Hawwa (Eve), after they sincerely sought His forgiveness for years following their disobedience in the Garden of Eden. This should serve as a lesson to every believer that no matter the gravity of one’s sin, Allah’s mercy is always available for those who repent with sincerity and humility. If Adam and Hawwa could obtain Allah’s forgiveness through persistent supplication and repentance, then Muslims must not despair of Allah's mercy but should constantly return to him in repentance and obedience ", Dr. Abdulazzez said. 

According to him, believers must cultivate the habit of constant repentance, especially during the sacred pilgrimage period. He further stated that Istighfar strengthens the relationship between mankind and the Creator, while also promoting humility and righteousness in society. He encouraged pilgrims from Oyo State and across Nigeria to use the holy season to pray for themselves, their families and the nation at large.

Imam Abdulrasheed also offered special prayers for the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, asking Allah to elevate him and continue to grant him wisdom, strength and success in the administration of the state. He equally prayed for the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Mogaji Haseem Atere, seeking divine guidance and protection for him and all officials coordinating the Hajj operations.

Oyo State Pilgrims Hold Special Prayers In Saudi Arabia For The Safe Return Of Kidnapped School Children, Teachers

 

Oyo State Pilgrims Hold Special Prayers In Saudi Arabia For The Safe Return Of Kidnapped School Children, Teachers

Pilgrims from Oyo State currently observing the holy pilgrimage in Mecca on Monday, May 18 2026, organized a special prayer session for the safe return of kidnapped school children and teachers in Oyo State. The prayer session was held after Ishai prayer at the Diyar El Shaab Mosque, Mecca, Saudi Arabia 

The solemn gathering drew dozens of Nigerian pilgrims who expressed deep concern over the rising cases of insecurity and abduction of students and teachers in parts of the state. The worshippers offered fervent prayers, seeking divine intervention for the victims’ safe release and for peace to return to affected communities.

Leading the prayer session, Head of Dawah Committee, Dr. Ibrahim Ballo Adelani urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers and support efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted victims. He stressed the importance of unity and collective supplication during difficult times facing the nation. He also called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing the kidnapped children and teachers unharmed. 

"We received the news of abduction of innocent pupils and the purported murder of one of the teachers with shock. While we sympathise with families of the victims, our prayer to Allah is for the safe return of all others in the captivity of the bandits. We also want to state that the safety and welfare of these innocent citizens should be a top priority for the government and the security agencies", stated Dr. Adelani

The pilgrims further prayed for lasting peace, security, and stability in Nigeria, asking Allah to protect citizens from violence and criminal activities. They equally expressed hope that the abducted students and teachers would soon reunite safely with their families and loved ones.

Oyo Pilgrims Undergo Familiarisation Tour (Ziyarah) Of Holy Sites In Makkah Ahead Of Arafat Exercise

 

Oyo Pilgrims Undergo Familiarisation Tour (Ziyarah) Of Holy Sites In Makkah Ahead Of Arafat Exercise

Pilgrims from the Oyo State, on Monday, May 18, 2026  visited notable historical and religious sites in Makkah as part of preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise scheduled to commence fully with the Arafat rites on May 26. 

The familiarisation tour was organised to give the intending pilgrims firsthand knowledge of the sacred locations and help them prepare mentally and physically for the rigorous spiritual exercise ahead.

The pilgrims visited important sites including the Mount Arafat area, Jabal al-Nour, Mina, Muzdalifah and other notable places. The tour enabled the pilgrims to acquaint themselves with the terrain, historical significance and spiritual relevance of the holy sites before the commencement of the core Hajj rites

The visit was approved by the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mogaji Haseem Atere, as part of measures aimed at ensuring a hitch-free pilgrimage for all contingents from the state. The chairman stressed the importance of adequate orientation and practical exposure for the pilgrims, noting that the exercise would assist them in understanding movement procedures and safety guidelines during the Hajj period.

Leading the pilgrims during the educational tour, the Head of Da’wah of the Board, Dr. Ibrahim Ballo Adelani, provided detailed explanations on the religious importance of each location visited. He urged the pilgrims to remain focused on the spiritual objectives of the pilgrimage and to conduct themselves in accordance with the teachings of Islam throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Some of the pilgrims such as Alhaji Faees Abimbola, 

Alhaji Badmus Isola Akeem and Imam Tajudeen Abdulazzez Obelawo  expressed appreciation to the board for organising the excursion, describing it as timely and enlightening. 

"We appreciate the Board for organizing this familiarization visit for us. This had boosted our confidence and preparedness ahead of the Arafat day, regarded as the peak of the Hajj exercise. It had also given us a clearer understanding of what is expected of us to successfully perform these rites in the coming days and how we should remain healthy to be able to withstand the rigour," they concluded.

Oyo 2026 Hajj: Makinde's Aide On Islamic Affairs Urges Pilgrims To Observe Strict Safety Guidelines

 

Oyo 2026 Hajj: Makinde's Aide On Islamic Affairs Urges Pilgrims To Observe Strict Safety Guidelines

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Islamic Affairs, Imam (Dr.) AbdulRasheed Adewale AbdulAzeez, has called on Oyo State pilgrims to strictly adhere to safety and procedural guidelines ahead of the forthcoming Hajj exercise, stressing that compliance is essential for ensuring safety and the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage rites.

In a message congratulating Oyo State Muslims at home and abroad on the sighting of the moon for Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH — the last month of the Islamic calendar — Imam AbdulAzeez reminded pilgrims currently in Mecca that the main purpose of their journey to Saudi Arabia is drawing near and that they should adequately prepare for it.

“I congratulate all of us on the sighting of the moon, marking the beginning of the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH. This signifies that we are now in the month of Hajj, during which we will perform the sacred rites. You should all remember that this is the primary reason we are here.

“To ensure a successful Hajj exercise, we must all comply with the laid-down rules and regulations of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (OYSPWB), and other relevant authorities,” he said.

According to the S A, “The sighting of the moon means we should all prepare for the real task ahead in Mecca. This begins with strict compliance with the guidelines set by the authorities to prevent fatigue, reduce congestion, and maintain order at the various holy sites we will visit.”

“I want to advise you to use this period to rest and prepare yourselves for the exercise. Hajj involves rigorous activities and is not a recreational trip. Therefore, remain indoors during the daytime as much as possible and avoid excessive exposure to the sun so that you can stay healthy and fit for the main exercise,” Imam. AbdulAzeez added.

He reassured pilgrims that the Oyo State Government, through the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, bn led by Sheikh Hashim Olamide Atere, remains committed to supporting all pilgrims to ensure a safe, orderly, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.

Governor Makinde’s Aide Charges Oyo Pilgrims To Reflect True Values Of Islam In Mecca

The Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Islamic Affairs, Imam (Dr.) Abdrasheed Adewale Abdulazeez, has charged Oyo State pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to reflect the true values of Islam by embracing tolerance and upholding the spirit of brotherhood.

Dr. Abdulazeez stated this on Saturday, 16 May 2026, while addressing a cross-section of pilgrims at the Madinat Al-Zahraa Mosque in Mecca. He noted that practising these virtues reflects the true teachings of Islam and makes the pilgrimage a meaningful experience for all.

The Special Adviser added that unity among pilgrims strengthens the global Muslim community and fosters a stronger sense of solidarity and compassion.

“We are grateful to Allah for counting us among those privileged to participate in this year’s Hajj. It is not because we are better than other Muslims or because we are special; it is purely by Allah’s grace and calling.

“We may have come from different towns and villages across Oyo State, but we are here for the same purpose. This purpose requires us to live together with a high level of cooperation and tolerance. The spirit of Hajj encourages pilgrims to help one another, share resources, and show kindness irrespective of differences in customs and ways of thinking. These lessons can inspire greater harmony and cooperation throughout the world,” Dr. Abdulazeez stated.

The Governor’s aide also commended the efforts of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, particularly the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (OYSPWB), Dr. Hasheem Mogaji Atere, for ensuring the successful airlift of pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, as well as providing conducive accommodation and adequate welfare packages for pilgrims in both Madinah and Mecca.

He equally lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support for the Board and the pilgrims, noting that such support has continued to make Oyo State stand out among states participating in Hajj operations in Nigeria.

“We are blessed to have a Governor like Seyi Makinde in Oyo State. He is an achiever who is fair to adherents of all religions. Even before the pilgrimage, he provided the necessary resources for the Board to succeed, and this has resulted in the quality welfare packages Oyo pilgrims are enjoying in Saudi Arabia.

“So, if you are looking for a truly non-tribalistic politician, come to Oyo State. Governor Seyi Makinde is that leader,” Dr. Abdulazeez concluded.