The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has sent his hearty congratulations to the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the successful airlifting of the intending pilgrims from Kwara State to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sulu-Gambari expressed joy over the smooth exercise in a statement issued on Monday by his Spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, describing it as extremely commendable and wishing all the intending pilgrims sound health and absolute comfort throughout their stay in the Holy Land.

Recall that the state Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Mashood-Mahmud Jimba, said that all the 1,714 intending pilgrims from the state left for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin.

The chairman thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his invaluable support in ensuring the successful transportation of the pilgrims.

The Emir noted that Hajj, "which is the fifth pillar of Islam, always brings people of different races together globally in order to further confirm the oneness of Almighty Allah, which is expected to further strengthen believers in faith, perseverance, and dedication to His commandments amidst numerous challenges bedevilling global peace."

He, however, appealed to "Kwara State contingents to pray fervently for peaceful coexistence to continue to reign in the state and the nation at large."

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari therefore commended the 2026 Amirul Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Kpotwa, for the leadership styles in order to ensure smooth operations throughout the Hajj period.