The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has warned intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj against travelling with prohibited items such as kola nuts, knives, blades, scissors, and shaving sticks.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Ajibola Taiwo, issued the warning during the final inoculation and distribution of Hajj materials in Abeokuta, urging pilgrims to comply with Saudi regulations to avoid complications.
Taiwo announced that the airlifting of pilgrims would commence on Monday, 12 May 2025.
He said the Board had achieved 95% readiness for the operations.
Taiwo noted that the vaccination exercise and other preparations were conducted according to the standards set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi authorities.
Pilgrims were also educated on Hajj rites and conduct and provided with essential materials, including bags, uniforms, hijabs, and identification cards.
In his remarks, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, Consultant on Islamic Affairs to the Ogun State Governor, reminded pilgrims to behave responsibly and act as worthy ambassadors of their state and country.
Similarly, the Ogun State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Layi Adekambi, warned pilgrims against involvement in drug trafficking and possession of illegal substances, stressing that such offences could attract severe punishments, including the death penalty.
He encouraged pilgrims to focus on sincere worship, reminding them that “a good name is better than wealth and riches.”
