Intending pilgrims from Oyo State are expected to depart for Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage, two years after it was suspended by the Saudi authorities over Coronavirus outbreak across the world.
Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Sayed Malik, who made the announcement today, during the distribution of Hajj Clothes, Bags and other needed materials to Intending Pilgrims at Board Office, Hajj Camp, Olodo Ibadan, said that the first batch of the Pilgrims are expected to be moved from Ibadan to Lagos State on Thursday, 16th June and take off to the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia on the following day.
“The first batch of Oyo State Intending Pilgrims for this year’s Hajj is going to leave Ibadan on Thursday 16th June and airlifted inshaAllah early morning of the Friday, that is 17th July 2020.”
The Chairman called on all the intending Pilgrims to converge at Hajj Camp in Olodo on Thursday 16th June in preparation for their journey from Ibadan to Lagos.
He advised the intending pilgrims to abide by all regulations laid down by the Saudi Government and be good ambassadors of the State and Nigeria.
“They must realize that they are going there for religious exercises and must be careful not to go against regulations from the Saudi Arabia Government and abide by instructions given by officials of the Board.
“They should not do things that can tarnish the good image of Oyo State in particular and Nigeria in general.
“They must ensure that they do not carry any illicit drug along with them because the Law Enforcement Agencies will be on ground to examine them thoroughly.”
Professor Malik called on the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria while performing the spiritual exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He advised those that were unable to collect the needed materials today to make themselves available as soon as possible.
He said that the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is expected to meet with the intending pilgrims tomorrow, June 15 to bid them welfare.
