By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, has assured intending pilgrims of a seamless and well-coordinated 2026 Hajj exercise, following the successful completion of the distribution of Hajj kits, uniform and vaccination across the state.
The exercise, which commenced on Saturday in Benin City, Edo South, was concluded in Edo Central and Edo North, in line with the Board’s scheduled programme.
Uduimoh gave the assurance while addressing journalists at the Board’s office in Benin City at the kickoff of the exercise, noting that adequate preparations have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free pilgrimage.
He said, “We are well prepared for a seamless Hajj operation. We have secured the services of a vendor to provide Nigerian meals for our pilgrims, and we have also secured accommodation close to the Haram,”
Speaking further, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, described the exercise as a crucial stage in the Hajj preparation process.
He said “The programme covered orientation of intending pilgrims, medical screening, and the distribution of Hajj kits and travel bags. After the Edo South phase on Saturday, we successfully moved to Edo Central and Edo North on Sunday to complete the exercise,”
The event featured a series of preparatory activities, including a health talk by Dr. Mahmoud, who emphasized the need for both physical and mental readiness for the pilgrimage. This was followed by the immunisation of intending pilgrims, with vaccines administered for yellow fever, oral polio, and meningitis.
Also, Islamic scholar Harun Umar delivered a lecture on the rites and activities of Hajj and Umrah, offering guidance to pilgrims on how to properly observe the spiritual obligations of the journey.
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board had earlier made the exercise mandatory for all intending pilgrims, as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj operation.
