Ibrahim Layode, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, on Saturday, said 1,400 intending pilgrims, including officials from the state, will perform the 2025 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Mr Layode disclosed this during a free medical screening for intending pilgrims in Badagry, Lagos State. He said 1,400 bed spaces had been arranged for the intending pilgrims.

He said the state would not provide additional pilgrims, adding that the arrangement had been concluded on the comfortability of the number.

The commissioner said the state had organised the free medical screening to ensure intending pilgrims from the state were tested and free from diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and other contagious diseases.

“Everybody is being encouraged by the governor to partake in this exercise, so they will know the status of their medical health,” he said.

Also, Abdul-Akeem Ajumade, the newly appointed secretary of the Lagos State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, urged intending pilgrims to take advantage of the screening to check their health status.

Mazida Terinoso, coordinator of the medical screening, urged the intending pilgrims to take advantage of the exercise.

According to her, the screening is free, and the government has mandated it for all intending pilgrims.

One of the intending pilgrims, Ismail Tajudeen, commended the state government for organising the free exercise.

(NAN)