The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has assured that it will commence the airlifting of intending pilgrims from the state on May 6 from the Ilorin International Airport to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, gave the assurance while speaking at an enlightenment programme organised for all intending pilgrims, held at the Board's premises in Ilorin.

According to him, the second batch of pilgrims will depart on May 7, while the third batch will depart on May 9.

Alhaji Abdulkadir also disclosed that Saudi Arabia has produced ID cards containing pilgrims' details, which will be issued to them upon arrival in Medina, to enable them to perform their Hajj rites in Mecca.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his efforts in ensuring a hitch-free Hajj operation in the state.

Professor Mahmud-Jimba expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful preparations, noting that the state government has sustained its commitment to facilitating seamless Hajj operations.

He further disclosed that accommodation, transportation, and tents at Mina and Arafat have been secured and are ready for the exercise.

In his lecture, the Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, advised the intending pilgrims to perform their Hajj rites with the fear of Allah.

Justice Kamaldeen urged them to remain patient while in the Holy Land in order to have a successful Hajj exercise.

The prayer session was led by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdulhamid Abdullahi, and assisted by Imam Gambari, the Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin, as well as this year's Amir Hajj, the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa.