148 pilgrims begin Hajj orientation in Daura

The Daura Zonal Pilgrims Office in Katsina State has started its annual orientation for the 148 intending pilgrims ahead of the 2018 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Alhaji Saminu Baure, the Zonal Pilgrims Officer, made this known at the opening of the orientation on Monday in Daura.

He said that the exercise would last for two weeks, after which the intending pilgrims would be subjected to a thorough medical examination which includes pregnancy test, to determine their suitability to undertake journey.

Baure said that the office had engaged Islamic clerics with expertise in Hajj matters to sensitise the would-be pilgrims on the dos and don’ts of the journey.

Meanwhile, Malam Sagiru Abdullahi of the Kaduna State Pilgrims’ Board, warned the intending pilgrims against carrying unnecessary foodstuffs or any illegal drug to the Holy land, noting that whoever was caught violating the rules, would be punished.

He said that July 23 was the official date for the commencement of transportation of the state pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, adding that Max Airline had been contracted for the exercise.

It was reported that the Daura Zonal Pilgrims Office comprised Daura, Maiadua, Sandamu, Zango and Baure Local Government Areas.