FEW days to airlift of first batch of pilgrims from Ilorin zone to Saudi Arabia, the Kwara state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has disqualified three pregnant intending pilgrims from taking part in this year’s Hajj exercise.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Mohammed Tunde-Jimoh said that the pregnant women were detected following release of comprehensive results of the just concluded medical screening of all intending pilgrims from the state
The Executive Secretary who did not disclose the identity of the three pilgrims said the board had informed them of their disqualification.
“The disqualification of the three pregnant women who were detected after the screening of the intending pilgrims is not punitive, but to safeguard their health and that of the babies”, he said.
Tunde-Jimoh, however, advised pilgrims to shun drugs trafficking and other negative tendencies capable of tarnishing the image of the nation while in the holy land.
With the exclusion of the three pregnant pilgrims a total of 1,465 will perform this year’s hajj from the state.
The board has commenced the distribution of bags, clothing materials and other essentials to the intending pilgrims as part of preparation for the inaugural flight scheduled for Thursday.