The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the airlifting of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise will commence on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo, disclosed this during the final inoculation, sensitisation, and distribution of Hajj materials at the Board’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He revealed that preparations for the Hajj operation were 95 percent complete, noting that the vaccination of pilgrims had been carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Arabian authorities.
“We are sensitising pilgrims on the rites of Hajj, their expected conduct before departure, and proper behaviour while in Mecca and Medina,” he stated.
Alhaji Ajibola further noted that essential materials, including travel bags, uniforms, identification cards, and hijabs, were distributed to the pilgrims, along with advice on necessary and prohibited items. He cautioned against carrying banned items such as kolanuts, knives, blades, scissors, and shaving sticks, urging strict adherence to Saudi Arabian regulations to ensure a hitch-free pilgrimage.
Commending the unwavering support of Governor Dapo Abiodun towards the Board’s activities, the Executive Secretary highlighted the importance of the final orientation programme as crucial to the pilgrims’ preparedness.
Also speaking at the event, the Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, urged the intending pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly as worthy ambassadors of Ogun State and Nigeria during the pilgrimage.
The Head of the Medical Team, Dr. Mazeed Oloko, advised pilgrims to carry prescribed medications, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, and drink adequate water to prevent dehydration.
On his part, the Ogun State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Layi Adekambi, underscored the significance of pure intentions in undertaking the Hajj. He warned that possession of illicit substances could attract severe penalties, including the death sentence under Saudi Arabian law.
“A good name is better than wealth and riches,” Mr. Adekambi admonished.
Similarly, the Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. Aremu Mustapha, emphasised the need for pilgrims to safeguard their passports and valuables, urging them to remain law-abiding and respectful.
In his lecture, the Head of the Religion and Operations Unit, Imam AbdulFatai Buhari, encouraged the pilgrims to embody good conduct, modesty, and obedience throughout the Hajj exercise.
Expressing gratitude, two intending pilgrims, Mrs. Bakare Aminat and Mr. Ajibade Mojeed, appreciated the State Government for the thorough sensitisation, medical screening, and distribution of materials, which they said had prepared them adequately for the sacred journey.
