The Oyo State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (Muslim wing) has commenced medical screening and interviews on basic knowledge of Islam for the 2026 Hajj-intending pilgrims from the state.
According to the Chairman, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide JP, this is to ascertain their level of understanding of the religion.
Medical tests carried out by certified medical practitioners from the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board include vital signs (blood pressure check and pulse), tuberculosis screening, general consultation, liver, heart, and kidney function tests, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C tests, etc.
Addressing the intending pilgrims in Ibadan/Ibarapa Centre on Monday and Tuesday at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere, called on them to remain steadfast in Islam and worship Allah accordingly.
He emphasized the need for them to seek knowledge on how best to practice Islam, stressing that results of the religious interview conducted for the intending pilgrims on Monday revealed that some of them did not live up to expectations.
The Chairman assured that the intending pilgrims would be equipped with the necessary knowledge on how to perform Hajj as stipulated in the Holy Quran through regular lectures and enlightenment programmes by seasoned scholars.
He admonished the intending pilgrims to avoid any act that could have negative impacts on their health.
In a separate interview with some of the intending pilgrims, Mr. Fijabi Abass, Mr. Raheem Balogun, Mrs. Alabi Modinat, and Mrs. Muritala Monsurat affirmed that the programme was educative, timely, orderly, and well-coordinated.
Narrating her experience, Mrs. Muritala Monsurat revealed that officials asked participants for routine questions, including basic religious knowledge.
Enumerating the beauty of Hajj and its rewards, Dr. Ibrahim Adelani admonished the intending pilgrims to embark on the pilgrimage with a positive mindset and make perseverance their guiding principle.
The medical screening is expected to be held in other zones of the state on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
