The Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Hashim Atere, has assured that the state’s contingent for the 2026 Hajj will be airlifted from the newly upgraded Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan.
Addressing journalists in Ibadan, Atere explained that Governor Seyi Makinde had confirmed the airport’s readiness for the exercise.
He said all requirements for accommodating wide-bodied aircraft had been fully met.
This upgrade, he said, positions the airport to handle major international operations.
The chairman cited the landing of the wide-bodied aircraft that conveyed President Bola Tinubu to Ibadan for the coronation of the Olubadan, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, as clear proof of the airport’s new capacity.
Atere further stated that officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development had conducted two inspections ahead of the President’s visit.
Their reports, he noted, confirmed that the airport’s facilities met the required standards for large aircraft operations.
With these developments, the chairman assured the public that there would be no obstacles to airlifting Oyo State pilgrims directly from Ibadan for the 2026 Hajj.
He stressed that everything needed for a smooth operation was already in place.
Atere expressed the board’s gratitude to Makinde for his continuous support, describing it as the driving force behind the board’s numerous achievements, accolades, and national recognition over the years.
He also appealed to all intending pilgrims to meet their financial obligations promptly, stressing that the board would not extend the December 5 payment deadline.
He assured them that preparations were underway to ensure the 2026 Hajj exercise surpasses
previous editions in organisation and comfort.
Source: leadership Newspaper
