Kwara deploys 20 officials to cater for pilgrims’ welfare

The Kwara State Government says it is sponsoring 20 officials to cater for welfare of pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

According to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who spoke at a sensitisation programme, Shola Gold, the affected officials comprised medical team, welfare officers among others.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Alhaji AbdulRauf Ayinla, the SSG said the government took the decision for the betterment of the pilgrims despite the economic predicament facing the state.

Gold added that government had put in place modality to ensuring a hitch-free pilgrimage.

He said the prevailing economic reality notwithstanding, the turn-out was encouraging.

The scribe cautioned pilgrims against materialism, imploring them to focus on the spiritual essence of the exercise.

Gold urged the adherents to be good ambassadors of the state and desist from immoral acts that could affect their worship

However, the Executive Secretary of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajia Fatimah Abolore- Jimoh, said airlifting would commence in August, adding that 1,933 pilgrims and 10 officials are to perform this year’s pilgrimage with the board.

She hinted that medical screening would commence after the Ramadan.

In a sermon, the Imam with the pigrims’ board, Abdulkabir Mahmood, while describing hajj as one of the pillars of Islam, urged the intending pilgrims to have the fear of Allah and desist from sinful acts.