By ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has fixed May 14, 2026, as the commencement date for the airlift of the first batch of pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Director General of the Board, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, announced this during the closing ceremony of the Hajj induction course held at the School for Arabic Studies in Kano.
He said the date aligns with the schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, adding that Max Air has been designated as the official carrier for Kano pilgrims.
Matawalle stated that the Board has concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and hitch-free airlift operation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Yusuf Lawan, urged intending pilgrims to regularly study their Hajj induction materials to enhance their understanding of the rites.
He also advised them to strictly adhere to all rules and regulations set by Nigerian and Saudi Arabian authorities throughout the pilgrimage.
Representatives of key agencies and service providers, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Hajj Tribunal, National Orientation Agency, Max Air and Hisbah, delivered goodwill messages at the event.
