By Omowumi Omotosho
The final group of 140 Hajj pilgrims from Kwara State, which comprises of 24 officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), departed from the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin on Wednesday evening, heading to Saudi Arabia to fulfill the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Before takeoff, the Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, addressed the group, urging them to uphold discipline and decorum during their stay in the Holy Land. He cautioned against attempting to carry prohibited items into Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of compliance with international regulations.
Professor Mahmud-Jimba further assured the pilgrims that all necessary logistics had been taken care of to facilitate a smooth and successful pilgrimage. He advised them to avoid excessive physical exertion, encouraging them instead to conserve their energy for the spiritual demands of the Hajj.
He also reminded them to make use of the available medical facilities and prioritize their health throughout the journey.
Speaking during the farewell event, the Amirul Hajj for Kwara State in 2025 and traditional ruler, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Barrister Ismail Yahaya-Alebiosu, commended the coordination efforts, expressing confidence in the arrangements made for a seamless pilgrimage experience.
The Executive Secretary of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, also offered words of counsel, urging the pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy representatives of Nigeria and to remember the nation in their prayers, seeking peace, unity, and progress.
Altogether, 2,210 pilgrims from Kwara State are set to participate in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
