Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada About 466 intending pilgrims out of 917 slot given to the state for this year Hajj have been registered.
This was disclosed by the Secretary, Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji. Alao Sikiru Adetona while answering questions from Journalists in Osogbo on the efforts of the board to ensure hitch-free Hajj, this year.
Adetona, informed that the state government has stopped sponsoring pilgrims since 2015 while advising the intending pilgrims to fear Allah in their worship during the Hajj.
According to Adetona, the training and enlightenment programme for intending pilgrims would commence tomorrow Saturday, April 8 and would run every weekend till May 21st.
“We are hopeful that people will come to register before we round off. We don’t believe that recession would affect pilgrimage since it is meant for only those that are financially capable.
“Our performance last year attracted people who want to follow Osun. We are making serious efforts to sustain and even improve on our performances.
He stated that plans are in top gears to finalise the accommodation in Makkah, noting that the state has selected accommodation provider among the providers approved by the National Hajj Commission.
He advised the intending pilgrims to follow the rules and regulations laid down by the authority of Saudi and make believe in the oneness of Allah as their first preparation.
Adetona, however used the medium to commends the unalloyed support of the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to the board.
Reported by Richard Akintade, Osogbo
