According to a news report from the Kwara State Government Facebook Page, on Thursday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin to bid farewell to the fifth batch of the state’s pilgrims heading to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on the challenges faced last year, Governor AbdulRazaq praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing necessary measures to enhance this year’s Hajj operations. "You can see that the pilgrims are happy. There is a huge improvement. I would like to thank the Federal Government for the improvement on the airport. The airfield lighting is back and better. Last year, our pilgrims had to fly through Lagos because facilities were not in place. This flight is going directly to Saudi Arabia," he said.

The Governor expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for ensuring the welfare of the pilgrims by providing adequate facilities for a smooth journey.

Accompanied by the Chairman of the State Muslim Welfare Board, Prof. Moshood Mahmud Jimba, Governor AbdulRazaq urged the pilgrims to pray for the unity and progress of the country during their time in the holy land and to serve as good ambassadors of Kwara State.

The Governor's visit was met with applause from the pilgrims, who expressed their appreciation and prayed for his success in office.

Joining the Governor on this visit were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi; Majority Leader Hon. Oba Magaji Abdulkadir; Clerk of the House, Alhaji Kareem Ahmed; and Special Adviser (Special Duties), Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah.

Prof. Jimba highlighted the Governor's continuous support towards the success of all the Board’s programmes and activities. The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji AbdulSalam Abdulkadir, advised the pilgrims to adhere to the regulations of Saudi Arabia and the guidelines of the Hajj activities.

Hajia Jumoke Jimoh, the Board's Public Relations Officer, reported that the fifth batch of 315 pilgrims from the state departed for Saudi Arabia aboard an Air-Peace Airline flight at approximately 11:18 am.