Plateau govt declares intending pilgrims Ebola free

Plateau govt declares intending pilgrims Ebola free By Marie-Therese Nanlong Jos—NO fewer than 1,274 intending pilgrims from Plateau State for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, have been declared free of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, as well as other deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS. State Executive Secretary, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Salisu Musa, disclosed this yesterday in Jos during the farewell address for the 2014 intending Pilgrims. Addressing the intending pilgrims, Alhaji Musa said the State Government in conjunction with the Board had put in place all basic requirements that would guarantee smooth pilgrimage in the holy land. According to him, “Out of the 1,274 intending pilgrims, 924 are self sponsored while the State and local governments sponsored 350. Adequate arrangements have been made in the areas of transportation, accommodation and medical facilities. Not only did the governor approve the sponsorship of some medical personnel but sufficient drugs have been purchased to be used in our clinic while in the holy land. The airlift of pilgrims is expected to start today (yesterday) and the movement will be in three batches.” He charged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria and pray specially for the unity, development and total restoration of peace to the state and nation at large. “You should remember that you have expended huge amount of money on this religious obligation, I urge you to respect the laws of Nigeria and those of Saudi Arabia for our own benefits,” he added. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/plateau-govt-declares-intending-pilgrims-ebola-free/#sthash.98qUJclm.dpuf