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The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah is a central duty of Islam whose origins date back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). It brings together Muslims of all races and tongues for one of life's most moving spiritual experiences. For 14 centuries, countless millions of Muslims, men and women from all over the world, have made the pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of Islam. In carrying out this obligation, they fulfill one of the five "pillars" of Islam, or central religious duties of the

 

 

On a question to Dr Baba J Adamu on whether he has any advice to the nation, he said

"I would like to call the attention of the government to look at the act of governing as a work in progress. It should be dedicated to the principles of: individual freedom, responsibility and respect in the framework of a just and prosperous society and political freedom. The government should strengthen and broaden public sector accountability and transparency. Fiscal responsibility requires that everything government does, it does efficiently, while offering citizens the best service. Government should continue to find internal savings and enshrine the practice of zero-based budgeting. I will also advice the government to remain committed to finding new ways to improve and modernize our democratic institutions by reinventing government initiatives, which means transforming public agencies into performance-based organizations focused on bottom-line results".

 

"And to my fellow country men and women: by origin mankind were a single people or nation. That being so, God could have kept us all alike, with one language, one kind of disposition, and even one set of physical conditions to live in. But in His wisdom, He gives us diversity in these things, not only at any given time, but also in different periods and ages. This tests our capacity for unity and accentuates the need of unity and self esteem. Since geography has made us neighbours, let freedom make us friends and let us understand that the real issue now, then, lies on the question of whether we can collectively make sufficient unanimous, efficient declaration of unbreakable unity, stand by our declaration, rally behind common goals and understand our differences even during rough rides, which surely will be the price to pay but so negligible will they be compared to the surplus of economic and political growth to come afterwards. Let us rally behind our leadership whose true commitment towards lasting peace and economic progress is impeccable, let us understand the government innovative consultation process with a simple goal in mind: to let the citizens of this great state guide its plans and priorities for the years ahead. Let us support a government that is guided by following the very simple, four-step formula that has guided great leaders of the world. It will ask for citizens' input. They will answer. It will listen. It will take action. Here is a government that believes that this approach is the heart of democracy and the soul of leadership. Only by working together can we realize the benefits of our strong economy, identify and invest in the priorities that matter and realize the promise of our founding fathers. Nigeria has always known about that promise. Let us work together to feel and see the promise fulfilled"