By Richard Thomas
The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh AbdulWahab Hashim Atere
has rated the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman, Aryfad Travels and Tours Limited, Ibadan, Dr Raymond Adeyinka Adewale as one of the few best in the travels and tours industry in Nigeria, describing him as a model with impeccable character quality.
Sheikh Atere gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to Dr. Raymond Adewale in his office, located at Adamasingba area, Ibadan.
According to him, the visit was aimed at identifying with the good record, works, achievements and the contributions of Dr. Raymond Adewale into the Travels and Tours industry in Nigeria.
He said the good records and achievements of Dr. Raymond Adewale in the industry, as well as his humanitarian services to people cannot be over emphasized,.
“I have heard much about your personality, quality services, contributions to the travels and tours Industry, and also Islam and humanity.
“There is no doubt that you are a model, a man of piety, love for humanity and fear of Almighty Allah. These sterling qualities of yours are very obvious and evident in your warm reception for me. Your unwavering commitment to Islam and humanity shall be rewarded by God
“Many travel agencies in the country have soiled their names in one scandal or the other, and especially financial scandal, but Aryfad travels company has remained a model and a leading light in the industry in Nigeria, these attributes motivated and encouraged me to come for the visit.
Base on this, I want to assure you that we are ready to relate with you and also do business with you.
We acknowledge your quality roles, contributions to humanity and Islam, and as a Muslim and philanthropist who cares for people with your hard earned resources.
“I am here to identify with the good works you are doing and as a model in the travels and tours business. Also, I am here to identify with your support and contributions to Islam and people around you.
“I can say categorically and authoritatively that you are one of the few best Travel agencies in the country who have respect for people. I have heard much about you and your activities. May Almighty Allah continue to bless your efforts, he prayed.
“On the 2024 Hajj prilgrimage, we are saddled with the assignment of ensuring a successful and fulfilling 2024 Hajj programme, and we thank God for the enabling environment which our insightful and amiable governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde has created for the success of the spiritual exercise. I must tell you that governor Seyi Makinde is a leader who loves his people wholeheartedly.
“Let me also say that only 40 travel agencies out of about 500 in the state were approved by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the 2024 Hajj programme.
“By professional practices and standard, you are one of the few travel agencies who merit the recognition of NAHCON, and by the grace of God the next exercise will be extended to Aryfad Travels and Tours Limited Ibadan.”
Sheikh Atere said travel agencies ought to operate with fear of God and integrity in the discharge of their service, noting that Umurah and Hajj are the work of God which demands true service of sincerity of purpose from them.
Sheik Atere while assuring quality working relationship between Aryfad company and the Board in the state urged Dr. Adewale to fully commence Hajj and umurah services in his company.
“Presently, we are on 2024 hajj programmes in the state, the fee for the 2024 Hajj exercise is Four Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety Nine Thousand Naira (₦4, 899.000. Umurah is coming, the service of Aryfad will be considered for the spiritual exercise, he said.
He assured Muslim faithfuls and intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj prilgrimage exercise in the state of a fulfilling Spiritual exercise such that would enhance their faith in Islam.
“We are also going to begin our Seminar on Thursday to further enlightenment and educate our people on the programme.
“I urge the intending pilgrims to use the occasion of the exercise to intercede for the ailing nation and its leaders.”
“Necessary arrangements and measures are already in place in Saudi to ensure a successful Hajj pilgrimage for all intending pilgrims. Measures like good accomodation, quality feeding and health services have been provided for them.
“We have visited the pilgrims accomodation centre, the kitchen and others in Saudi to ensure their comfort and memorable spiritual exercise this time. Also, quality steps have been taken on the airlines conveying them to ensure that they have smooth journey. I have spoken with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on the successful arrangements of the 2024 hajj prilgrimage.”
Responding, Dr. Adewale, the Aare Musulumi of Adamasingba and Environs described the visit as historical and highly appreciated.
According to him, discipline, respect for people and honesty are hallmark of Aryfad, adding that God has helped the company to grow from strength to strength.
On Umurah and Hajj services, I am taking my time to ensure we get good, honest and sincere hands to work with us because we don’t compromise standards, and we have always been careful not to allow anyone soil our good name and identity.
The Aare Musulumi assured that the company would continue to improve upon its standard, while we operate in honesty and fear of Allah in discharging the service to their customers.
The occasion had in attendance the company’s General Manager, Yusuf Ishola Ayobami and the company Secretary, Ishola Tawakalitu Iyabode and others.
