The Katsina Pilgrims Board on Wednesday reminded intending pilgrims above the age of 65 year, that they would not be allowed into Saudi Arabia.
This is contained in a statement by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Badaru Bello-Karofi in Katsina.
The board made this known during orientation for intending pilgrims and Islamic scholars in the state ahead of the 2022 Hajj operations.
The exercise, organised in Kankia and Dutsinma Zonal Centres, was aimed at enlightening the intending pilgrims on how to purify themselves ahead of the Hajj.
”Saudi Arabia has indicated that people above 65 years must not be allowed to perform Hajj this year and also reminded all intending pilgrims that full COVID-19 vaccination is compulsory.
“By full vaccination, I mean the three doses and of course PCR is mandatory,” the Chairman said.
”Saudi Arabia has indicated that anybody above 65 years must not be allowed to perform Hajj.
”All intending pilgrims must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. By full vaccination I mean the three doses and of course, PCR is mandatory,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the board, Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu-Kuki commended the smooth conduct of the ongoing exercise in Kankia and Dutsinma Zonal Centres of the state.
Nuhu-Kuki stressed the need for them to purify themselves ahead of the holy pilgrimage.
He said the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed N2.5 million as deposit from each intending pilgrim.
He said about 2,146 seats have been allocated to the state for this year’s Hajj operation.
Nuhu-Kuki said that the increase on Hajj fare followed the hike in airfare and exchange rates of dollars.
