From James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The Ogun state Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board has enjoined intending pilgrims to the 2014 Hajj exercise to ensure participation in the 5 day Inoculation /Medical Screening scheduled to hold between today and tomorrow, Wednesday, August 6.
The exercise, which will hold at the Board’s hall, block B, New Secretariat, beginning from 9am each day, is a follow-up to the just-concluded religious and immigration screening of applicants, which is part of the prerequisites prescribed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for prospective pilgrims.
According to a statement, issued by the Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, failure of the intending pilgrims to participate in the programme may result in forfeiture of slots, as it remains an essential part of the requirements for pilgrims hoping to embark on the 2014 Hajj exercise.
The statement added that it would also help to gather information that would serve as guide in attending to the health needs of pilgrims while in the Holy Land.
“The 2014 screening exercise is meant to ensure that intending pilgrims are in sound state of health before embarking on the holy pilgrimage.
Moreover, information gathered during the exercise will serve as a guide in offering necessary medical attention to pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. All intending pilgrims are strictly enjoined to participate in this exercise, which is an essential aspect of the Hajj operations”, he said.
The Executive Secretary maintained that the state government had set adequate measures in place towards ensuring qualitative welfare for all pilgrims from the State, adding that efforts had been intensified to ensure that it retains its number one enviable position among other participating states.
