Kwara completes airlift of pilgrims for 2026 hajj

The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has concluded the airlift of intending pilgrims from the state to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise, with the final batch of 223 pilgrims departing Ilorin on Saturday morning.

The pilgrims departed aboard a Max Air flight from the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin at about 6:05 a.m.

Speaking shortly before the departure, the Chairman of the Board, Professor Mashood-Mahmud Jimba, expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he described as consistent support toward the successful coordination and transportation of pilgrims from the state.

Jimba said the smooth conduct of the exercise was made possible through the commitment of the state government and the cooperation of relevant stakeholders involved in the operation.

Also addressing the pilgrims, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, urged them to conduct themselves responsibly and uphold the image of Kwara State and Nigeria throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

In the same vein, the Amirul-Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, called on the pilgrims to offer prayers for peace, unity and stability in Kwara State and the country at large during the spiritual exercise.

The final batch of pilgrims was accompanied by top officials of the board, including Professor Jimba, Alhaji Abdulkadir, Alhaji Kpotwa and other state officials.

The successful departure of the last batch officially marks the completion of Kwara State’s airlift operations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.