By Matthew Denis
No fewer than 2,200 intending pilgrims from Kwara State are expected to be airlifted from Ilorin International Airport for the 2018 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Secretary of Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Tunde Jimoh made the disclosure during an interview with journalists shortly after a sensitisation programme in Ilorin on Saturday.
He said: “This year we are expecting 2,200 intending pilgrims though registration is still ongoing for the 2018 hajj exercise.
“So far we have gotten over 1,000 intending pilgrims and the National Hajj Commission has extended the registration period till the end of April.”
He further disclosed that the board has concluded arrangement for pilgrims’ accommodation both in Mecca and Medina.
The secretary said that the board is working in collaboration with NAHCON to fix date for commencement of airlifting from Ilorin airport, adding that thereafter arrangement would be made for the airline to be employed for the exercise.
On the essence of the event, Jimoh noted that the sensitisation will enable intending pilgrims have knowledge of the hajj rites.
He said, “The enlightenment programme is ongoing to expose the pilgrims to the rules and regulations of the Holy Land. It is designed to acquaint pilgrims of hajj rites.
“This will let them have the knowledge of the existing laws of Saudi Arabia that guides their movement during hajj,” he further said.
He stressed that the law banning intending pilgrims who are pregnant is still effective.
“We have already announced in various media that whoever that is planning to get pregnant this year or is already pregnant should not apply this year and aged people should be accompanied by their family members,” he emphasised.
He, however, stated that the state government has been supporting the board with funds for smooth preparation for the exercise.
