One hundred and sixty nine intending pilgrims in Kogi State will miss this year’s Hajj exercise due to a reduction in the slots allocated to the state.
Executive Secretary, Kogi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Baba Ango Idris, at a press conference said the board was initially allocated 841 seats by the National Hajj Commission, but that the seats were later reduced to 691. He said those screened out include pregnant women, those who have performed the exercise before, people with chronic illnesses as well as those who cannot recite Suratu Fathia.
“Forty five intending pilgrims were screened out because of pregnancy, 60 for chronic illnesses and old age, 15 others were also screened out because they have performed the exercise before,” he said. He said the board has carried out public enlightenment across the state to educate pilgrims on the importance of Hajj.
Alhaji Baba said airlift of Kogi pilgrims will commence on September 21, and that Max Airline has been approved by the state government for the exercise.
