The first batch of this year’s intending pilgrims from Kwara State today departed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The intending pilgrims numbering 313 including 3 officials left Ilorin International Airport at the exactly 10:30am.
The intending pilgrims who were accompanied to the Airport by the relatives and well-wishers, were full of joy and excitement.
In his farewell message to the intending pilgrims, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq advised them to be good ambassadors of the state and country at large.
Governor AbdulRasaq, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Jiddah admonished them to abide by the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia and that of the Hajj activities.
In his remark, the Amirul-Hajj for this year, Senator Ibrahim Yahya Oloriegbe charged them to be patient and good ambassadors of Kwara state while in Saudi Arabia
Also speaking, the Chairman, Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba said Governor AbdulRasaq has been very supportive to the board in ensuring a hitch free hajj exercise.
He described the exercise which led to the airlifting of the intending pilgrims as seamless.
Prof Jimba urged other intending pilgrims who are yet to be airlifted to cooperate with the board and always follow the instructions about the schedules of their flight.
