The Executive Secretary, Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGMPWB) Alhaji Salau Dauda, has affirmed that its agency has not recorded any drug-related issues, during Hajj operations in the State.

Salau revealed this during the working visit to the agency's office at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, noting that the Board was able to achieve the feat as a result of its adherence to the conduct of NDLEA in order to protect the image of the State.  

The Board Secretary said the State government was concerned about the wellbeing of its pilgrims, particularly on drug-related issues, adding that it would ensure that they were protected against circumstances that could tarnish the image of the State in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"In the history of Ogun State, we have never had any drug-related issues, because we abide by the conduct of NDLEA during our Hajj operations. We don’t want anything that can dent the image of our dear State or affect the wellbeing of the intending pilgrims", he said.

Salau stated that the activities of the Agency could not be undermined in pilgrimage matters, seeking for its continued collaboration in eradicating narcotic drugs in the country and intensifying effort on sensitisation and enlightenment programmes, especially during the screening of intending pilgrims before embarking on Hajj.

Responding, the State Commander, NDLEA, Alhaji Ishaku Kwajafa assured the agency's readiness to support the Board in making hajj operations drug-free, saying only the medical team is allowed to be seen with legal drugs.

"Intending pilgrims are not supposed to travel with drugs, even ordinary paracetamol should not be seen with them, that is why you have the medical team in place who are allowed to handle legal drugs. Items or drugs like Kolanut, Tramadol, Cough syrup are not permitted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia", Kwajafa said.

He stated that the agency had the manpower and capacity to be part of the screening team, pledging their unrelenting support to the Board at all times, as it engages other relevant agencies and sensitising the general public on its activities.

 Highlight of the visit was the decoration of the Executive Secretary as the Ambassador of War Against Drugs Trafficking and Abused.