Preparing Nigerian pilgrims for successful 2018 hajj

Expectations are high that Nigerian pilgrims participating in the forthcoming 2018 hajj would perform excellently in conformity with rules and regulations of the Saudi Arabian authority.

This is the general perception of Muslims as state governments and private tour operators roll out sensitisation programmes for intending pilgrims travelling under their guidance.

The sensitization programme is to equip the intending pilgrims with necessary information needed to perform the religious rites, including dos and don’ts of the holy land, even as some operators conducted medical text to ascertain physical fitness of the pilgrims.

A private operator, Al Hujaj Travels and Tours confirmed it has commenced an enlightenment programme for its 2018 hajj pilgrims.

Managing Director, Al Hujaj, Abdul jalil said: “We have once again sealed our agreement with Emirate Airline to fly our pilgrims to this year’s hajj. We have also secured a five star hotel closed to Haram and very soon other necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that our pilgrims get the best services”.

Also, Lagos State Government has commenced the inoculation exercise for intending pilgrims.

The Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, AbdulRahman Ishola, said the exercise would provide the opportunity to vaccinate intending pilgrims against Polio and Yellow fever as well as give them the necessary prescription after they undergo the required medical screening at designated General Hospitals across the state.

The screening exercise, according to him, is to certify that intending pilgrims are physically and mentally fit for the Hajj exercise as well as prevent any unforeseen health conditions that may disrupt the performance of important hajj rites by the pilgrims.

While noting that the Lagos State government is working tirelessly to ensure a hitch-free hajj exercise, Ishola urged state and local coordinators to give necessary support and assistance to the pilgrims during and after hajj exercise.

Ishola further revealed that Saturday, 14th and Sunday, 15th July have been fixed for the planned two-day seminar for intending pilgrims in final preparation the holy pilgrimage.

In the same vein, Osun State Muslim pilgrims welfare Board (MPWB) has commenced enlightenment and training programme for the state intending pilgrims.

The spokeperson, MPWB, Latifat Bakari, urged pilgrims who are yet to submit their international passport and national identity number to come along with them to complete the registration process.