Kano – The Kano State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board said on Friday that it would begin the airlift of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj on Aug.11.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abba Yakubu, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Kano.
He said the board had submitted 4, 649 passports of the pilgrims to the consulate of Saudi Arabia in Kano to facilitate the issuance of visa.
“As I am talking to you now, 4, 649 passports are currently being processed for the issuance of visa to our intending pilgrims.
“A total of 5, 880 intending pilgrims from Kano state are expected to perform this year’s Hajj in the Holy
land,” he said.
He said the pregnancy test for female pilgrims, which began last week, was still ongoing at the designated Hajj camp.
Yakubu , however, advised all female intending pilgrims, who were yet to be screened, to do so before the expiration of the deadline.
“No female intending pilgrim will be allowed to travel to the Holy land without ascertaining her pregnancy status,’’ he said.
He also said immunisation of intending pilgrims against yellow fever, CSM and other diseases had almost been completed.
Yakubu advised all intending pilgrims to ensure strict adherence to all Saudi laws while on pilgrimage, adding that the Saudi government would not hesitate to prosecute those who violate its laws.(NAN).