KWARA FLAGS OFF 2026 HAJJ, AIRLIFTS 374 PILGRIMS TO SAUDI ARABIA
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Kwara State Government on Wednesday commenced the 2026 Hajj exercise with the airlift of the first batch of 374 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims departed the General Tunde Idi Agbon International Airport aboard a Max Air flight at about 3 p.m., heading to Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the government said a total of 1,714 pilgrims from the state would participate in this year’s pilgrimage.
While bidding the pilgrims farewell, the governor, represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Saadu Salaudeen, urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria.
“Our message to pilgrims from Kwara State this year centres on the need for them to behave as good representatives and ambassadors of Kwara State in particular and Nigeria in general and to comply with all the laws and regulations of the host country,” he said.
He also encouraged them to pray for peace and unity in Nigeria and to adhere strictly to directives from officials coordinating the exercise.
The State Amirul Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Abdullahi Aliyu, assured that the welfare of the pilgrims would be prioritised, pledging to deliver on the responsibilities entrusted to him.
“We will ensure that Kwara pilgrims receive the best care and attention throughout the exercise,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, commended the governor for approving all necessary arrangements for the exercise.
He disclosed that medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, were part of the delegation to cater to the health needs of the pilgrims.
Abdulsalam added that feeding arrangements had been made to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims, including the provision of familiar local meals.
“We have even taken along local food items such as yam flour, pounded yam and garri to ensure they do not lose the taste of home while in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
The airlift marks the beginning of Kwara State’s participation in the 2026 Hajj, with subsequent batches of pilgrims expected to depart in the coming days.
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