In a bid to ensure a seamless and successful Hajj experience, pilgrims from Ogun State have been admonished to prepare for the major spiritual exercise which commences on 8th Dhu al-Hijjah, 1446 AH, that is, Wednesday, 4th June, 2025 of the Gregorian Calendar.

Chairman, Ad-Hoc Committee for the year 2025 hajj, Alhaji Iziaq Oloungbebe, made this known, during a lecture on Hajj rites for pilgrims from Ogun and Lagos States on the first day of the new month of Dhu al-Hijjah, 1446 AH, saying the lecture would continue on May 30th, June 1st, and 3rd ,2025, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Alhaji Oloungbebe hinted that after the early Morning Prayer on the 8th day of the new Islamic Month, pilgrims must take their spiritual bath, in order to make themselves clean, return to the state of Ihram by putting on their two piece white apparel and make their intentions known on performing Hajj, just like they did during the Ummurah.

He added that they would be moved from their present location to Mina, where they would perform four other daily prayers and the early Morning Prayer the following day before proceeding to Arafat.

"Once you are in a state of Ihram, it is forbidden for pilgrims to shave or cut his or her hair, nails and wear perfume. Male pilgrims are not expected to put on caps or wear underwear. You are also prevented from hunting or killing animals or engaging in any intimate talks or intercourse during this period,’’ he said.

While enjoining pilgrims to pray for stability and peace in Nigeria, the Chairman prayed for the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and other leaders, as well as Nigeria for continued development and progress.

On their part, the Amir Hajj of Ogun State, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun, and the Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Iskeel Lawal, admonished pilgrims to manage their health and reserve their energy for the task ahead.

In their separate remarks, two of the pilgrims, Alhaji kazeem Babatunde and Alhaja Aminat Bakare, expressed gratitude to the State government for enlightening them on Hajj rites.