Ogun government, on Monday, commenced a medical screening/inoculation programme for intending pilgrims in the state toward achieving a seamless 2024 Hajj exercise.

The executive secretary, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Salau Dauda, said the exercise, held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was an annual routine to ascertain the health status of prospective pilgrims.

According to Mr Dauda, on the first day of the two-day exercise, the screening is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to safeguarding pilgrims’ health before travelling to Mecca and Medinah.

The executive secretary enjoined the prospective pilgrims to cooperate with the medical team to achieve meaningful results that would help them while performing Hajj rites.

He also urged them to be of good behaviour and shun acts that could bring the state and the country into disrepute while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The head of the medical team, Dr Rabiu Kusimo, counselled the intending pilgrims to take along with them their prescribed medications in line with new guidelines.

Mr Kusimo also advised them to avoid spending too much time in the sun and drink enough water to prevent dehydration.

Two of the intending pilgrims, Adefunke Arala and Ayangbola Kazeem, unanimously appreciated the efforts of the government, saying the screening was for their benefit.

Mr Kazeem said it would help to prevent them from contracting any disease during the Hajj.

(NAN)