The Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Dauda Salau, has rated the level of preparedness of the state's contingents in Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj as high.

The Hajj, commencing on June 14, is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who are able.

Salau, in an interview during a Tarodudiyah (tour of the holy sites ahead of the Hajj days) with officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), stated that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, had ensured that each of the 934 pilgrims from the state was fully prepared for the pilgrimage.

"Our pilgrims have been fully sensitized about the Hajj rites on a daily basis. All necessary materials to ensure smooth operations have been provided. The Governor has supported every aspect of the pilgrimage exercise, ensuring that our pilgrims lack nothing," Salau noted.

He highlighted that arrangements had been made with service providers in Saudi Arabia to guarantee adequate tents for the Pilgrims at Arafat and other Holy Sites, adding that

a Jamrat committee had equally been established to ensure smooth commuting for pilgrims during each of the Hajj rites. 

The Executive Secretary explained that the Board, in conjunction with the Saudi authorities and NAHCON, had registered each pilgrim in a bus-by-bus operational arrangement, with each unit having a designated leader and assistant leader to manage the groups effectively.

On the medical front, Salau revealed that the State had deployed an unprecedented team of seven medical doctors, complemented by pharmacists and nurses, to cater to the health needs of the pilgrims. 

"This comprehensive medical team ensures that our pilgrims receive the best possible care during their stay in the Holy Land," he concluded. 

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Operations, NAHCON, Alhaji (Prince) Anofi Elegushi, urged Muslim Welfare Boards across all states to continue sensitizing their pilgrims for the successful completion of the Hajj rites.

He emphasized the need for Nigerian pilgrims to conduct themselves well throughout the Hajj period, highlighting the importance of being good ambassadors of Nigeria while seeking the spiritual benefits of Hajj.