By ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has reaffirmed its commitment to providing effective leadership, proper coordination and improved services to ensure a hitch free 2027 Hajj operation.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin.
He assured intending pilgrims of the Board’s commitment to smooth, comfortable and well-organized pilgrimage.
Abdulsalam called on all intending pilgrims to adhere strictly to the approved payment schedule, and follow all official guidelines as preparations for Hajj 2027 gather momentum.
He explained that pilgrims can make an initial payment of ₦5 million, using their valid international passports, while the balance of the Hajj fare is expected to be paid on or before the end of November 2026.
The Executive Secretary urged intending pilgrims to make payments only through designated banks, raising bank drafts approved by the Board and ensure that all relevant documents required for the pilgrimage are properly provided.
He also advised intending pilgrims whose international passports would expire before April 2027 to renew them promptly to avoid any documentation challenges during the Hajj operation.
Abdulsalam further stressed that pilgrims should ensure that their travel documents remain valid throughout the period required for the pilgrimage.
He further highlighted significant improvements recorded by the Board since his assumption of office, particularly in the area of airlift arrangements.
Abdulsalam noted that the official air carrier previously used by the State had the capacity to airlift about 260 pilgrims per trip, resulting in a longer period for the airlift of pilgrims.
According to him, the Board has now increased the airlift capacity to approximately 560 pilgrims per trip, a development which has substantially reduced the number of trips required from about 15 trips to just 4 trips.
He said the improvement would not only shorten the period required to airlift Kwara pilgrims but would also contribute to a more efficient and convenient Hajj experience.
The Executive Secretary expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his unwavering support to the Board and the welfare of Muslim pilgrims in the State.
He also appreciated the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, members of staff of the Board, agents and, most importantly, intending pilgrims for their cooperation, trust and support.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
