The Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has said intending pilgrims
without a clean certificate of health will be disqualified from
performing the 2020 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alh. Mohammed Tunde-Jimoh,
stated this in Ilorin on Monday, shortly after a meeting with Hajj
coordinators from the 16 local government areas of the state.
The meeting, which was also attended by Hajj registration officers
across the state, was aimed at reappraising Hajj activities in 2019
and preparation for the 2020 Hajj operation.
The Executive Secretary said the disqualification of intending
pilgrims without clean bill of health was to save them from the
rigours during the Hajj rites that could worsen their conditions or
lead to death.
He advised individuals, groups or organisations intending to sponsor
pilgrims to the 2020 Hajj to be sure of their health status in the
interest of the beneficiaries.
“The Board will not process traveling documents of any intending
Pilgrims to 2020 Hajj exercise found not to be medically fit or
confirmed to be afflicted with one ailment or the other,” he said.
Tunde-Jimoh explained that the development followed the decision of
the Saudi Arabia authority to no longer be responsible for the care of
sick pilgrims brought into their country.
He advised aged persons among the intending Pilgrims to make
arrangements for a relation to accompany them and to care for them
while in the holy land.
Tunde-Jimoh also appealed to Hajj coordinators and registration
officers in the local councils, to be honest with their clients and
allow the fear of God to guide their dealings with the intending
pilgrims.
