The Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the first batch of intending pilgrims will depart from Ilorin International Airport to Saudi Arabia on May 12.

Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, executive secretary of the board, announced this known enlightenment programme for 2025 intending pilgrims on Sunday in Ilorin.

He disclosed that the second batch will depart on May 14, the third on May 16, and the final on May 17.

According to him, accommodation and catering services for the pilgrims have already been arranged in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Abdulkadir confirmed that preparations are underway, with vaccines scheduled for distribution on April 28, uniforms on April 30, and bags on May 1.

He added that pilgrims who paid more than N8.4 million in Hajj fees would receive refunds after returning from Saudi Arabia.

“The board’s preparations for the 2025 Hajj are nearly complete, with visas processed for all 2,174 intending pilgrims,” he said.

During his lecture, Justice Abdul-Lateef Kamaldeen, Grand Khadi of the State Sharia Court of Appeal, educated the pilgrims on Hajj rituals and expectations.

He urged the pilgrims to perform Hajj with reverence, patience, and fear of God for a successful journey.

(NAN)