The Edo State Pilgrim Welfare Board says that the 95 intending pilgrims from the state will be airlifted for the 2026 Holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia on May 18.

The board’s executive secretary, Muhammadkabir Eranga, said this on Thursday in Benin City during an interview with journalists.

He said that the state had concluded necessary arrangements to ensure a hitch-free hajj.

“We have informed the intending pilgrims that the camping starts on May 15, in Benin City, before leaving for Lagos on May 17 for onwards movement to Saudi Arabia for the hajj exercise,” he said.

Mr Eranga said that the board had secured accommodation, a caterer and transport services, among others, for the intending pilgrims.

“We are doing our final screening today for all the intending pilgrims across the state, to ensure that everything is in order before departing for the pilgrimage,” he said.

According to him, the board has also secured visas for those going for the Hajj operation.

“We were given 351 slots, but 95 persons were able to make payment before the deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON),” he said.

Mr Eranga said about 100 persons who paid after the deadline believing they would reopen the application missed this year’s exercise.

He said the board advised those who made payment after the deadline to either write to the board for refund or leave the money with the board so that they could be the first to be considered for next year’s hajj. 

(NAN)