374 pilgrims depart Kwara in first batch for 2026 Hajj
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government on Wednesday flagged off the 2026 Hajj exercise with the successful airlift of the first batch of 374 pilgrims, alongside two NAHCON officials and one state official, to Saudi Arabia.
A total of 1,714 pilgrims from the state are expected to participate in the 2026 Hajj. The pilgrims departed from the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, aboard a Max Air flight, which took off at about 3 p.m. en route to Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
While bidding the pilgrims farewell, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq urged them to conduct themselves well in the Holy Land and represent the state and Nigeria honourably during the pilgrimage.
“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 ensure they comply with all the laws and regulations of the host country, Saudi Arabia,” AbdulRazaq said.
Represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Saadu Salaudeen, the governor urged the intending pilgrims to pray for peaceful coexistence in the country and the state. He also emphasised the need for strict adherence to the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia, as well as compliance with directives from officials.
“We advise all of them to listen to the directives of the Amirul Hajj, His Royal Highness the Etsu Tsaragi, who is leading this year’s delegation, as well as other officials of the Kwara State Pilgrims Board,” he added.
The governor prayed that Allah would grant the pilgrims a hitch-free Hajj and expressed hope for their safe return to Kwara State. In his remarks, the Amirul Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu, assured that the welfare of the pilgrims would be prioritised in line with commitments made by the state government.
Speaking with journalists, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, commended the governor for approving the board’s requests to ensure adequate care for pilgrims. He added that medical personnel would accompany them, while arrangements had been made for proper feeding, including the provision of familiar local meals to ensure their comfort throughout the exercise.
