President Koroma Assured in Mecca
Head of the Sierra Leone 2012 Hajj Mission Monday, 23rd November, 2012 told reporters in the Holy Land of Mecca that President Koroma has paid one hundred United States dollars ($100) for the sacrificial lamb of each Sierra Leone pilgrim performing this year’s Muslim pilgrimage, (Hajj). (Photo: Ambassador Munu presenting gifts to pilgrims)
Alhaji Sheka Sahid Kamara ‘aka Shekitoo’ who also doubles as Special Assistant to His Excellency the President on Social Affairs said on behalf of the Sierra Leone National Hajj Coordinating Committee that the gift was a continued gesture from President Koroma who had always paid for their sacrificial lamb since 2010 when the Government took over the organization of the Hajj.
Shekitoo in the midst of excited pilgrims
The Chairman of this year’s Hajj also told newsmen that the gesture was in good faith and has nothing to do with politics, stressing that, President Koroma is a man who cares for every Sierra Leonean; irrespective of tribe, religion, political affiliation and regional background.
Ambassador Munu presenting gits to the pilgrims
Delivering the money on behalf of the President in a spectacular ceremony held in downtown Mecca, Sierra Leone’s envoy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Wusu B. Munu reiterated to the pilgrims that the President had always appreciated Islam and always been able to cut across religious and tribal barriers in the country since he assumed office in 2007.
Disabled pilgrims praying for President Koroma in Mecca after receiving gifts
Receiving the gesture, speaker after speaker prayed for the President’s continued good health, God’s guidance and sustainable strength to enable him achieve his set goals. They also prayed for sustainable peace and prosperity in Sierra Leone.
Pilgrims praying for the nation after receiving gifts from the President
Most of them said assured that they will continue to support President Ernest Bai Koroma at all times. They also pointed out that the President has never let down Muslims as he is always in the forefront of all their wishes and endeavors.
“This is the third time since 2010 that Sierra Leone has experienced such a positive stance towards Islam in Sierra Leone, especially as it is from a leader from a different religious background,” they said unanimously.
Many of the pilgrims interviewed were very much overwhelmed by the gesture. The sacrificial Lamb is one of the Hajj rituals which pilgrims offer on the 10th day of the Hajj Month. The ceremony was witnessed by Embassy officials, some members of the Hajj Mission, the press, among others.
Meanwhile, the 837 Sierra Leone pilgrims who are currently in Mecca will join over two million pilgrims from across the world tomorrow, Thursday, 25th October, 2012 at Mount Arafat for the Hajj, the world’s largest annual pilgrimage. The gathering in the plain of Arafat symbolizes the climax of the Hajj which began some hours ago.
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2012, https:. All rights reserved.
