By Ademola Orunbon
The authority of Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has advised the intending pilgrims performing the 2022 Hajj to be good ambassadors of the State, by keeping to the rules and regulations guiding hajj exercise.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Salau Dauda gave the advice in Abeokuta at one-day final workshop/seminar organised by his agency for the intending pilgrims.
Salau, in a statement jointly signed by the Agency’s Press Officers, Mr. Gafar Alabi and Mrs. Nofisat Alapoti, said the State had recorded tremendous progress in previous hajj operations, due to its commitment to the dictates of relevant authorities, expressing optimism that this year’s hajj would be a success.
The Executive Secretary stated that it is essential for any Muslim embarking on holy pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be tested for Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (PCR) at least 72 hours before departure, as mandated by Ministry of hajj for 2022 hajj.
He noted that the State government is concerned on the overall welfare and well-being of the pilgrims, as it is always be at the front burner, enjoining the participants to take to the stipulated guidelines of the practitioners.
Contributing, the Southwest, Commissioner, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaja Basirat Akintunde, said there is limited allocation of slots to Nigeria by the Saudi Arabia authority for the 2022 hajj, appealing to those who were not opportuned to make the list to accept it in good faith, urged those who have been scheduled for the holy pilgrimage to be steadfast, avoid anything that could tarnish the image of the country and endeavour to move in groups.
In his presentation, the guest speaker, Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, while delivering a lecture tagged; ‘Fundamental Principles of Hajj, appreciated God for making the 2022 hajj possible, imploring the intending pilgrims to keep their faith in God, remain grateful to Him and always be patient with officials.
Prof. Balogun who stated the importance of hajj, emphasized the need for synergy between the relevant authorities and intending pilgrims for a seamless operation.
He commended the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for prioritizing pilgrims’ welfare, appreciating the Board for being on top of the situation, despite a short notice being given by the Saudi Arabia authority.
On their part, representatives of Nigeria Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Custom Service, respectively, spoke on the need to maintain decency and avoid being conspired with anyone to engage in drugs trafficking and other related offences, as well as keep to luggage policy both Main and avoid Multiple Hand luggages usually being practice by intending pilgrims
Some of the participants, Mr. Giwa Sheriff and Mrs. Ganiyat Adeyemi lauded the effort of the State government and Board for putting a formidable arrangements in place.
