The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced stakeholder engagement with the League of Imams and Alfas in the Egba zone of the state as part of preparations for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.

The engagement, according to the Board, is aimed at strengthening information dissemination, ensuring effective coordination and adequately preparing intending pilgrims ahead of the commencement of the 2027 Hajj registration exercise.

During the meetings, the Board informed Islamic leaders of the commencement of registration for the 2027 Hajj and disclosed plans to commence sensitisation programmes in mosques across the state.

The sensitisation programmes are expected to educate intending pilgrims on the registration procedures and provide them with the necessary guidance to begin preparations for the pilgrimage early.

Speaking during the engagement, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Ajibola Taiwo, described the League of Imams and Alfas as a strategic stakeholder in the success of the Hajj programme.

Taiwo said the involvement of Islamic leaders would enhance the dissemination of accurate and timely information to intending pilgrims, thereby ensuring that they are adequately informed and prepared for the pilgrimage.

Responding on behalf of the Imams, the Chief Imam of Egba Land, Alhaji Sa'adala Bamgbola, commended the Board's management for initiating the engagement and maintaining regular communication with Islamic leaders on preparations for the 2027 Hajj.

Bamgbola, however, urged the Board to extend its sensitisation campaign to border communities across the state.

He said reaching out to people in border areas would help prevent intending pilgrims from Ogun State from travelling to neighbouring states to register for the pilgrimage.

He assured the Board of the continued support and cooperation of Islamic leaders in ensuring the success of the 2027 Hajj exercise.