ODSG refunds N14m to intending pilgrims

By Fatimah Muraina
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Ondo State Government has refunded over N14million to 278 intending pilgrims going for this year’s holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The chairman of the state Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji khaleel Fawehinmi, disclosed this during the vaccination programme for the intending pilgrims held in Akure, the Ondo state capital .

Fawehinmi said the refund was a directive from the National Hajj Commission, to relieve the intending pilgrims of the payment for this year pilgrimage to Mecca.

According to him, the sum of N51,000 was refunded to each of the intending pilgrims.

He urged them to abide by the rules and regulations of the Saudi Arabia authority particularly on hard drugs, kolanuts, knife, blade, liquid substances and any incriminating items.

Fawehinmi advised those on medication to present a prescription note obtained from either the State or Federal Hospitals which he assured would be protected.

A guest lecturer at the event, Alhaji Abdulrauf Adeyemi educated the intending pilgrims on various processes of performing hajj while at the holy land.

  He urged them to avoid engaging in any sinful acts or taking along incriminating items as Saudi Arabia is a holy land that does not tolerate any act of indiscipline.

An intending pilgrim. Imam Taofeeq Akintola, who spoke with The Hope expressed joy for being among those to perform this year’s holy pilgrimage.

The intending pilgrims who were vaccinated against  infectious diseases like yellow fever and meningitis among others were presented with hajj materials like bags and uniforms for identification.