The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has officially launched a comprehensive medical screening exercise for intending pilgrims ahead of the 2025 HAJJ. This move underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of pilgrims embarking on the spiritually significant journey to Saudi Arabia
At a ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Sokoto on Friday, the Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, described the assignment as a sacred trust. Addressing the newly inaugurated medical screening team, he emphasized the need for sincerity, patience, and unwavering commitment in discharging their responsibilities.
“This is a noble mission, and the health of every pilgrim is paramount. I urge all members of the team to approach this assignment with utmost dedication, fearing Allah in all their dealings,” Musa stated.
The screening exercise, scheduled to commence on Saturday, will initially cover intending pilgrims from Wamakko and Silame Local Government Areas, before expanding to other parts of the state.
The acting Executive Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Ladan Ibrahim, also addressed the gathering, reiterating that the primary objective of the agency is to ensure that all Sokoto pilgrims are medically fit to perform the Hajj rituals without complications. He noted that preventing health emergencies during the pilgrimage was a top priority and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver exceptional service.
Alhaji Abubakar Chika, the Director of Operations, reminded the medical team of the enormous trust placed in their hands. He urged them to serve with diligence, professionalism, and the fear of God, stressing that only through collective responsibility and sincerity could the exercise achieve its intended goals.
Leading the medical screening initiative is Dr. Bello Attahiru, a seasoned healthcare professional with years of experience in medical missions. Dr. Attahiru assured the agency and the intending pilgrims that his team was well-prepared to provide top-quality medical support throughout the pre-Hajj activities and even during the journey itself.
“We have assembled a team of skilled doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and public health officers who are passionate about the well-being of the pilgrims. Every individual will undergo detailed medical evaluations, including vital sign checks, communicable disease screenings, and fitness-to-travel assessments,” he said.
In addition to regular health screenings, Dr. Attahiru revealed that the team would also engage pilgrims in health education sessions. These sessions are designed to enlighten pilgrims on important issues such as personal hygiene, managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and preventing infectious diseases like meningitis and COVID-19.
“We are not only conducting checks; we are also equipping the pilgrims with the right information to stay healthy throughout the Hajj,” he added.
Sokoto State’s initiative aligns with national directives by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which mandates all states to conduct thorough medical screenings to minimize risks associated with mass gatherings during Hajj.
Given the physically demanding nature of the Hajj, where pilgrims perform activities like the Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba) and the Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), ensuring physical fitness is essential to prevent avoidable medical emergencies.
Beyond the medical screening, the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has also announced plans to provide vaccination drives, distribute basic first aid kits, and arrange on-ground medical teams to accompany pilgrims throughout the exercise in Saudi Arabia.
The agency is also collaborating with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health to ensure that Sokoto pilgrims comply with all international health regulations, including vaccinations against meningitis and influenza, which are prerequisites for visa issuance.
Alhaji Aliyu Musa urged intending pilgrims to cooperate fully with the medical team and attend all scheduled appointments, emphasizing that only certified medically fit individuals would be allowed to travel.
“This is not only about fulfilling administrative requirements; it is about saving lives and ensuring that each pilgrim returns home safely after completing the Hajj rites,” he concluded.
With the 2025 Hajj fast approaching, Sokoto State’s proactive measures reflect its dedication to ensuring a safe, smooth, and spiritually rewarding experience for its pilgrims.