The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the vaccination of 1,714 intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj, marking a key phase in preparations for the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Ilorin by the board’s Assistant Press Secretary, Abdulmumeen Sidiq.
The exercise, carried out by Port Health Services under the supervision of Mrs A.I. Owolabi, covers mandatory immunisation against oral polio, meningitis and yellow fever for all pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji AbdulKadri Abdulsalam, described vaccination as a critical component of pre-Hajj arrangements.
“The vaccination exercise remains a critical component of our pre-Hajj arrangements, as it is designed to safeguard the health of our pilgrims and prevent the outbreak or spread of infectious diseases during the pilgrimage,” he said.
He added that the board is working closely with relevant health authorities to ensure full compliance with international health standards and Saudi entry requirements.
“We are working closely with relevant health authorities to ensure that every pilgrim is properly immunised in line with international best practices and Saudi Arabian entry requirements,” Abdulsalam stated.
He urged intending pilgrims across the 16 local government areas of the state to cooperate with officials and present themselves promptly for vaccination, warning that non-compliance could affect their eligibility to travel.
Meanwhile, the board has also begun the distribution of uniform materials and travel bags to pilgrims to enhance identification and coordination during the exercise.
Abdulsalam reaffirmed the board’s commitment to a seamless and hitch-free Hajj operation.
