The Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has begun medical screening and interviews on basic Islamic knowledge for intending pilgrims from the Pace Setter State ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
These are part of efforts to assess their health status and understanding of the faith.
The exercise was disclosed in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Information and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
According to the report, findings from the screening showed that intending pilgrims were subjected to comprehensive medical checks conducted by certified personnel from the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board. The tests covered blood pressure and pulse checks, tuberculosis screening, general medical consultation, as well as liver, heart and kidney function tests, including hepatitis B and C examinations.
Speaking to participants from the Ibadan and Ibarapa zones at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, on Monday and Tuesday, the Chairman of the Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide JP, urged them to remain steadfast in Islam and deepen their commitment to worship.
He stressed the importance of seeking proper religious guidance, noting that outcomes from the Islamic knowledge interview held on Monday showed that some intending pilgrims fell short of expectations.
Sheikh Olamide assured the pilgrims that they would receive proper guidance on how to perform Hajj in line with the Holy Quran through continuous lectures and enlightenment sessions to be handled by experienced Islamic scholars.
He also warned participants against actions that could pose risks to their health before and during the pilgrimage.
Some of the intending pilgrims, including Mr. Fijabi Abass, Mr. Raheem Balogun, Mrs. Alabi Modinat and Mrs. Muritala Monsurat, described the programme as “educative, timely, orderly and well-coordinated.”
Sharing her experience, Mrs. Muritala Monsurat said officials asked routine questions, including those related to basic religious knowledge.
In his remarks, Dr. Ibrahim Adelani highlighted the spiritual value and rewards attached to Hajj, advising pilgrims to approach the journey with a positive mindset and embrace perseverance throughout the exercise.
The medical screening is expected to continue in other zones of the state on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
