The first batch of 374 pilgrims from Kwara, on Wednesday, departed Nigeria for Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The pilgrims, accompanied by two officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and one state official, departed from the General Tunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, aboard a Max Air flight at 3:00 p.m., en route to Madinah.

A total of 1,714 intending pilgrims from the state are expected to participate in the 2026 pilgrimage.

Bidding farewell to the pilgrims, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria by conducting themselves responsibly and adhering strictly to the laws of Saudi Arabia.

Represented by his special adviser and counsellor, Saadu Salaudeen, the governor also urged the pilgrims to pray for peace and unity in the country.

He emphasised the need for the pilgrims to comply with all regulations and heed directives from officials, particularly the Amirul Hajj, the Etsu Tsaragi, Abdullahi Aliyu.

Mr AbdulRazaq prayed for a successful and hitch-free Hajj exercise and for their safe return to the state.

In his remarks, the Amirul Hajj, Mr Aliyu, assured that the welfare of the pilgrims would be prioritised in line with the commitment made to the state government.

He pledged that the delegation would discharge its responsibilities diligently to ensure a smooth pilgrimage for all participants.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, commended the governor for approving all requests necessary for the welfare of the pilgrims.

He said that medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, were part of the delegation to provide healthcare services.

Mr Abdulsalam added that arrangements had also been made to provide the pilgrims with adequate feeding, including local Nigerian meals, to ensure their comfort throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia. 

(NAN)