ABEOKUTA – The Ogun Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on Tuesday assured this year’s intending pilgrims from the state of a hitch-free exercise.
The Chairman of the board, Dr Isiaq Yusuf, gave the assurance in Abeokuta at the commencement of a three-day screening exercise organised for intending pilgrims.
He said the board would continue to evolve measures to provide succour for its pilgrims by prioritising welfare at all times.
According to him, it is expected of a Muslim to perform the pilgrimage once in a lifetime after fulfilling all rights expected of a practising faithful.
He said pilgrims for this year’s exercise would be screened to meet required standards, adding that a total of 1,212 slots were allocated to the state by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Abuja.
“All intending pilgrims must be versatile religiously as they must be able to recite some verses from the Holy Quran and perform five times daily prayers.
“The era of allowing non-Muslims on the entourage of the state government is over,” he said.
He said that the state government would continue to maintain the enviable standard that had earned it accolades from NAHCON over the years.
An intending pilgrim, Mr Jimoh Wahab, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the screening exercise.
“This exercise will ensure that only genuine pilgrims are given the opportunity to embark on the holy pilgrimage,’’ he said. (NAN)