By ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced adjustment in the airlift arrangement schedule to allow for a hitch-free Hajj exercise from the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulkadir Absulsalam who made the announcement during an Enlightenment Programme held at the Board’s premises in Ilorin, explained that the first batch would depart on the 6th while the second and third batches would be airlifted on the 7th and 8th of next month respectively.
Alhaji Abdulsalam also disclosed that vaccination and immunisation for intending pilgrims would commence on Monday, April 27th, 2026 at the Board’s premises, while uniforms and travel bags are ready for distribution.
The Executive Secretary noted that the Enlightenment Programme was designed to provide practical training to ensure that pilgrims fully understand the rites of Hajj before departure.
He described the exercise as crucial, noting that beyond collecting fares, the Board has a responsibility to properly educate pilgrims on how to perform the pilgrimage.
The Executive Secretary also urged intending pilgrims to remain patient throughout the journey, stressing that patience is key to a successful pilgrimage.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, advised pilgrims to be law-abiding and serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria while in Saudi Arabia.
Professor Jimba, urged them to comply with all rules, regulations, and instructions from officials.
In his lecture, the Grand Khadi, Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen said Hajj is not a luxury or a jamboree, adding that it required patience and endurance.
Justice Kamaldeen explained that the training would cover the use of ihram, the performance of tawaf and sa’i, as well as other rites pilgrims would undertake on arrival in Makkah.
Representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, NAFDAC, NDLEA, Nigerian Customs Service, National Orientation Agency, and FOMWAN also advised the pilgrims to adhere strictly to guidelines and uphold the image of the State and Nigeria.
The highlight of the programme was a practical demonstration of Hajj rituals, outlining the steps and procedures pilgrims are expected to follow in Saudi Arabia.
