The first batch of intending pilgrims from Kwara State to Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj have been Airlifted.

About 500 pilgrims were airlifted at about 25 minutes to 7 on Sunday evening from the Ilorin International Airport to Saudi Arabia via Kabo Airline.

Speaking in a telephone Interview with VOA staff correspondent, Tunde Akanbi, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajia Abolore-Jimoh who confirmed the airlifting of the pilgrims, charged the pilgrims to follow the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia's authority.

Hajia Abolore Jimoh said the Board had airlifted all pilgrims from Ondo and Ekiti states on Thursday.

According to her, about 350 pilgrims were airlifted from the two states.

The Executive Secretary said another 500 pilgrims would also be airlifted to Saudi Arabia by midnight.

Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has encouraged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the State when they get to Saudi Arabia.

Governor Ahmed adressed the Pilgrims at the Ilorin International Airport, before they boarded the aircraft leading to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Governor Ahmed urged the pilgrims to discharge their religious obligations in the holy land with the fear of Allah, reminding them that performing Hajj is a religious obligation.

He advised them to pray for the restoration of peace in Nigeria, especially in the face of the spate of violence in some parts of the country.

The Governor prayed Allah to accept the Hajj of the pilgrims as worthy acts of worship.