The last batch of 248 pilgrims from Kwara State who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise has arrived safely in Ilorin after successfully completing the pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims arrived aboard a Max Air flight at the General Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, at about 1:36 p.m., accompanied by officials of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Speaking with journalists shortly after their arrival, the Amirul-Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, thanked Allah for a successful Hajj operation and described this year’s pilgrimage as one of the best-organised in recent times.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support and commitment towards ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj exercise for pilgrims from the state.
Professor Mahmud-Jimba also appreciated the Saudi Arabian authorities for their support throughout the pilgrimage and appealed for additional measures to address the effects of extreme heat, including the provision of more cold-water spraying facilities at strategic locations in the holy cities.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, expressed satisfaction that all the pilgrims returned safely.
He commended them for their exemplary conduct during the pilgrimage and for representing Kwara State and Nigeria positively throughout the exercise.
The arrival of the final batch officially marks the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj airlift operation for Kwara State pilgrims.
