The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (OGSMPWB) has vaccinated over 600 intending pilgrims, as part of requirements for the 2021 holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Dauda Salau, who made this known while speaking at the end of the two-day exercise at the Board's Secretariat Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the vaccination was in compliance with the new health policy of Saudi Arabia and the directive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Salau added that the State government was concerned about the wellbeing and safety of the people, particularly those willing to perform the pilgrimage, urging the beneficiaries to always obey COVID-19 protocols and make themselves available for the second dose at the appropriate time.
‘’I am impressed with the large turnout of intending pilgrims who have received the COVID-19 vaccination. This is an indication that the present administration is determined to ensure that intending pilgrims from Ogun State are vaccinated against COVID-19 for their wellbeing and safety in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. Let me add that after receiving the first dose of Astra Zeneca vaccine, you are expected to get another dose after few weeks", he said.
On her part, a Commissioner, South West zone, NAHCON, Alhaja Basirat Akintunde who emphasised on the importance of the vaccine, said the exercise is free and safe for intending pilgrims, contrary to rumours in some quarters that the intending pilgrims were made to pay for the vaccine.
Contributing, the State Immunisation Officer, Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Surajudeen Olayinka who affirmed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, stressed that it had gone through laboratory tests, dousing the fears of the general public on the side effects.
"There is no need for worries as Astra Zeneca vaccine has been found to be safe and effective by relevant health authorities", he said.
In their separate remarks, two of the intending pilgrims, Mr. Idowu Bashir and Mrs. Salau Mutajero expressed satisfaction at the health initiative, stating that it would help safeguard them against the virus.
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