From Abdul Salaudeen, Ilorin
Kwara State government yesterday flagged off the 2026 Hajj exercise with the airlift of the first batch of 374 intending pilgrims alongside three officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, to Saudi Arabia.
A member of the board, Alhaji Mahmud Bube led the 374 intending pilgrims aboard a MaxAir aircraft. They departed the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, at about 3pm.
Speaking with journalists at the airport, the Executive Secretary of Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji AbdulKadri Abdulsalam, advised intending pilgrims to be law-abiding and conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the state and Nigeria while in Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Abdulsalam also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued support, which he said ensured the smooth take-off of the exercise.
In his remarks, the Amirul-Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Kpotwa, urged pilgrims to remain disciplined, adhere strictly to guidelines and focus on the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
Related