From Bayo Oyewale, Lokoja
The Chairman of Kogi State Hajj Commission, Sheikh Luqman Abdullahi Imam has warned intending pilgrims from the state to refrain from carrying prohibited items to Saudi Arabia.
Imam, who gave the warning while addressing a cross section of intending Pilgrims at the end of the Commission’s training and enlightenment programme across the three senatorial districts of the state, listed some of the prohibited items to include kola nuts and drugs.
He explained that the Saudi Government would not take it flippantly with pilgrims found violating its rules and regulations.
The chairman spoke against the backdrop of the arrest of some Nigerians with illegal drugs and some items not allowed in Saudi Arabia, last year.
He further urged the intending pilgrims to imbibe righteousness, good conduct and strengthen their faith while on pilgrimage.
โPilgrimage is all about worshiping Allah. As such, when you are there, pray for yourself, members of your families, the state and Nigeria and have the knowledge of why you are there,โ he said.
According to him, the board has already secured decent accommodations for the intending pilgrims from the state.
โClinic and medical personnel will be provided to address the health challenges of the pilgrims as well as clerics to guide pilgrims,โ he added.
Highlights of the three-day programme which took place at Islamic High School, Ateba Agasa, Okene, Nurul Islamiya Secondary School, Ayingba and Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Lokoja featured the distribution of travel bags, uniforms and administering of IPE inoculation to intending pilgrims.
