Lagos Implements Mandatory Vaccination Program for 1,600 Hajj Pilgrims

The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has finalized arrangements for the vaccination of approximately 1,600 individuals planning to participate in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage from the state to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, the Board Secretary, announced this development in a statement released through Taofeek Lawal, the Director of Public Affairs. He explained that the exercise is crucial for adhering to global health standards and ensuring a smooth pilgrimage process for all participants.

Pilgrims will receive essential immunizations covering meningitis, oral polio, yellow fever, and influenza. These are critical prerequisites for their departure.

Mr. Ajomagberin also called upon officials from the Port Health Services Nigeria to collaborate and ensure the efficient conduct of the vaccination drive.

The vaccination program, structured by local government areas, is scheduled to commence on Monday at the Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque Hall, located at the First Secretariat, GRA, Ikeja.

According to the detailed timetable provided by the board:

• Intending pilgrims from Agege and Somolu will begin the exercise on Monday.
• Participants from Ajeromi, Apapa, and Ojo are slated for April 21.
• Those from Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, and Badagry will follow on April 22.
• Pilgrims residing in Ikeja, Oshodi-Isolo, Mushin, and Surulere will be attended to on Thursday.
• Individuals from Ikorodu, Eti-Osa, Kosofe, and Epe have their appointments set for April 27.
• The program continues on April 28 for pilgrims from Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, JAIZ, NIA, and Royal groups.
• The exercise will conclude on April 29 with the vaccination of government officials at the same venue.

Ajomagberin strongly urged all intending pilgrims traveling from Lagos State to strictly observe their allocated schedule and present themselves for vaccination.

He emphasized that compliance is mandatory, noting that both Saudi Arabian authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria require proof of vaccination as a condition for participating in the pilgrimage.

He further warned that any pilgrim who fails to undergo the inoculation process will be disqualified from the journey, highlighting that this exercise forms an integral part of international travel health regulations.