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The Ogun State Government has warned intending pilgrims from the state to avoid travelling with prohibited items such as kolanuts, knives, blades, scissors, and shaving sticks.
The Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo, issued the warning during the final inoculation, sensitisation, and distribution of Hajj materials to intending pilgrims at the board’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday.
Taiwo, while emphasising that such prohibited items are not allowed in Saudi Arabia, advised pilgrims to adhere strictly to the guidelines and regulations set by the Saudi Arabian Government to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
He noted that the airlifting of intending pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia would commence on Monday, 12 May 2025.
Taiwo disclosed that the Board was 95 percent ready for the 2025 Hajj operations, explaining that the vaccination exercise was conducted in accordance with the guidelines set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Arabian Government.
He said, “The Board is sensitising the pilgrims on the rites of Hajj, expectations before leaving home, and conduct while in Mecca and Medina.
“We are also distributing bags, uniforms, identification cards, hijabs, and other items to pilgrims and sensitising them on what to pack and what is expected of them during the pilgrimage.”
Speaking further, the Consultant to the Ogun State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, charged the intending pilgrims on how to conduct themselves while performing the Hajj rites, and reminded them of their responsibilities as good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria.
In his lecture, the Ogun State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mr Layi Adekambi, warned that anyone found in possession of illegal substances or engaged in drug-related activities would face strict penalties, including the death sentence.
The NDLEA official urged the intending pilgrims to prioritise their intentions, focusing on worship and righteous deeds, stating, “A good name is better than wealth and riches.”
2025 Hajj: Don’t travel with kolanuts, shaving sticks — Ogun Govt warns intending pilgrims
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