Kwara State has commenced its 2025 Hajj operations with the successful airlift of the first batch of 560 intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday afternoon.
The flight, operated by Max Air, departed the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, at exactly 12:40 p.m., carrying the pilgrims alongside two officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Flagging off the pilgrimage, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Special Adviser and Councillor, Alhaji Saadu Salaudeen, urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves with dignity and serve as worthy ambassadors of Kwara and Nigeria. He also appealed to them to offer prayers for national unity and peaceful coexistence back home.
“You are spiritual envoys of Kwara State; maintain discipline and avoid any act that could bring disrepute to the State or the country,” the Governor’s representative admonished.
Chairman of the Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Mashood Mahmood Jimba, and the Amirul-Hajj, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu (Olupo of Ajase-Ipo), also advised the pilgrims to demonstrate good conduct and stay united throughout the holy journey.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, disclosed that 2,174 pilgrims from Kwara will be airlifted in four batches as part of this year’s operations.
The flag-off marks a significant milestone in Kwara’s annual pilgrimage coordination, with subsequent flights expected in the coming days.
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