Press Release
The Kwara State Government on Wednesday flagged off the 2025 Hajj exercise with the successful airlift of the first batch of 374 intending pilgrims alongside three officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to Saudi Arabia.
A member of the Board, Alhaji Mahmud Bube led the 374 intending pilgrims which the MaxAir aircraft conveying the pilgrims departed the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, at about 3p.m.
Speaking with journalists at the airport, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji AbdulKadri Abdulsalam, advised the intending pilgrims to be law-abiding and to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the state and Nigeria while in Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Abdulsalam also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued support, which he said ensured the smooth take-off of the exercise.
In his remarks, the Amirul-Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, urged the pilgrims to remain disciplined, adhere strictly to guidelines, and focus on the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
The airlift marks the commencement of this year’s Hajj operations from Kwara State.
Jumoke Jimoh
*PRO, Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board*
