The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has organised a comprehensive sensitisation and inoculation programme for intending pilgrims, to equip them with vital knowledge on Hajj rites, health management and travel regulations ahead of the journey.

Speaking during the event at Oke-Mosan, the Board Chairman, Sheikh Zakaria Olohungbebe, advised pilgrims to maintain discipline, sincerity and devotion throughout the Hajj exercise, emphasising the importance of adhering strictly to laid-down guidelines, which included the respect for constituted authorities and conducting themselves in a manner that reflected the true values of Islam.

Also addressing the pilgrims, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Taiwo Ajibola, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ensuring a hitch-free pilgrimage, noting that the sensitisation programme was designed to properly guide pilgrims on the activities and rites of Hajj, while also preparing them for the realities of the journey.

The programme featured detailed enlightenment sessions on Hajj rites, where religious scholars provided step-by-step guidance on the performance of the pilgrimage, this was complemented by an inoculation exercise conducted by medical personnel, aimed at safeguarding the health of the pilgrims before departure.

In addition, health experts delivered a comprehensive lecture on personal wellbeing during the pilgrimage, urging pilgrims to maintain proper hygiene, stay hydrated, comply with medical advice and take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses and infections.

Security agencies, including officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, also educated the pilgrims on travel protocols and legal compliance, warning against carrying prohibited items, engaging in drug-related offences, or violating international laws, stressing that offenders would face serious consequences.

The officials further advised the intending pilgrims to safeguard their travel documents, remain law-abiding and uphold the image of Nigeria while in the holy land.

Participants expressed appreciation to the Board for organising the programme, describing it as timely and enlightening, while many noted that the sensitisation had boosted their confidence and preparedness for the spiritual exercise.

The event formed part of the Board’s mandate to ensure that all intending pilgrims from Ogun State were spiritually, medically and legally prepared for a successful Hajj.