By: Lateefhat Ayoola

In its bid to ensure a seamless 2024 Hajj exercise, Ogun State government, through the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has commenced enlightenment programmes for intending pilgrims on Hajj rites and how to be of good behaviour by eschewing acts that could bring the state into disrepute during the pilgrimage.

 Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Dauda Salau stated this during the first phase of lecture/enlightenment programme organised for the intending pilgrims, at the Board's Office in Abeokuta, saying the annual lecture would enable the pilgrims to be conversant with regulations guiding the holy land of Mecca and Medinnah.

Alhaji Salau urged intending pilgrims to take advantage of the exercise to enhance their Islamic knowledge on Hajj rites and proper guidance to reap the full benefits of the pilgrimage.

Earlier, Consultant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Sheik Iskeel Lawal, reminded them that Hajj, as a serious exercise should not be for a jamboree but to serve Almighty Allah, urging pilgrims to pray for peace and tranquillity in Nigeria.

In their separate lectures, the guest lecturers, Imam Abdul-Razaq Abdul-Azeez and Sheik Fatih Adesina, charged intending pilgrims to fear Allah, sustain their faith, be focused, adhere strictly to the directive of the officials and abstain from activities that could negate the principles of Hajj.

Contributing, a medical expert, Dr. Nasrudeen Bello, urged the pilgrims to take their medications along and use them as prescribed, always drink enough water to prevent dehydration, just as he warned them against going out in the scorching sun.

Similarly, an official from National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Iyanda Adebayo, admonished the pilgrims on illicit drug use and peddling during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

While demonstrating the practical aspect of how to dress during the Hajj rites, Head of Operations in the Board, Imam Abdul Fatai Buhari, educated the intending pilgrims on the rules and regulations of the Hajj operations. 

Appreciating the Board on behalf of other intending pilgrims, Alhaji Kazeem Ayangbola and Alhaja Tawakalitu Kazeem, gave kudos to government for the educative and informative programmes put together for them, promising to conduct themselves properly and be of good ambassadors throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.