…Governor Charges Pilgrims to Be Good Ambassadors, Pray for Nigeria’s Peace

Kwara State has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage with the successful airlift of its first batch of 560 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

. The departure ceremony took place at the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport in Ilorin, where a Max Airline flight carrying the pilgrims and two NAHCON officials took off at 12:40 pm local time bound for Medina. All pilgrims from this initial batch have since arrived safely in Medina, as confirmed by an official video release from the state government.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Special Adviser and Councillor Alhaji Saadu Salaudeen, addressed the pilgrims before their departure, urging them to serve as worthy ambassadors of both Kwara State and Nigeria during their spiritual journey. The Governor emphasized the importance of maintaining good conduct and peaceful relations with fellow pilgrims while in the Holy Land. He specifically charged the pilgrims to use the opportunity to offer special prayers for Nigeria’s peace and unity, particularly for Kwara State.

The event was attended by key officials including Professor Mashood Mahmood Jimba, Chairman of the State’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and this year’s Amirul-Hajj, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu. Both leaders joined in advising the pilgrims on proper conduct throughout their pilgrimage. According to Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, Executive Secretary of the Board, a total of 2,174 pilgrims from Kwara State will be transported to Saudi Arabia in four separate flights as part of this year’s Hajj operations. The remaining batches are expected to depart in the coming days, continuing the state’s tradition of well-organized pilgrim transportation.