By Muyideen Aliyu
The Kwara State Government officially flagged off the 2026 Hajj exercise on Wednesday with the airlift of the first batch of 374 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
The inaugural flight departed from the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, aboard a Max Air vessel en route to Madinah.
A total of 1,714 pilgrims from Kwara State are expected to perform the spiritual journey this year.
While bidding the pilgrims farewell, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq urged them to be exemplary ambassadors of the state and Nigeria.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Saadu Salaudeen, the Governor emphasized the importance of adhering to the laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and following the directives of the Hajj officials.
He further called on the intending pilgrims to pray for the peaceful coexistence and prosperity of both the state and the nation.
The Governor specifically advised the pilgrims to follow the guidance of the Amirul Hajj, the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu, who is leading the state’s delegation.
Governor AbdulRazaq prayed for a hitch-free exercise and the safe return of all participants.
In his remarks, the Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu, reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the pilgrims.
He pledged that the delegation would perform its duties diligently to ensure that Kwara pilgrims receive the best possible care and support during their stay in the holy land.
Corroborating this commitment, the Executive Secretary of the State Pilgrims Board, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for approving the board’s requests to ensure adequate care for the pilgrims.
He noted that the inaugural flight was heading straight to Madinah and confirmed that a team of officials, including medical doctors and nurses, accompanied the batch to attend to their health and administrative needs throughout the journey.
