Kwara completes airlift of pilgrims for 2026 Hajj

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

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

Speaking before the departure, the board’s chairman, Professor Mashood-Mahmud Jimba, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued support in ensuring the successful coordination and transportation of pilgrims from the state.

Jimba attributed the smooth exercise to the commitment of the state government and the cooperation of stakeholders involved in the operation.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, urged the pilgrims to maintain good conduct and uphold the image of Kwara State and Nigeria during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Also speaking, the Amirul-Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, encouraged the pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and stability in Kwara State and Nigeria throughout the pilgrimage.

Top officials of the board, including Professor Jimba, Alhaji Abdulkadir, Alhaji Kpotwa, and other state officials, accompanied the final batch of pilgrims.

The departure of the last batch officially concludes Kwara State’s airlift operations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.