By Alabi Olawale(from Mina)
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has praised the Osun State delegation for demonstrating commendable discipline and orderliness during the ongoing 2026 Hajj operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board’s tent in Mina during an official visit to the Board members and pilgrims,the NAHCON Chairman, who was represented by the South-West National Commissioner, Dr. Tajudeen Abefe Oladejo,commended the delegation for the well-coordinated and orderly manner in which they had conducted themselves, from their departure activities in Lagos through to their arrival and movement within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He said, “What we have witnessed here is truly heartwarming. The exemplary behaviour displayed by the Osun State delegation came as no surprise to us, because Osun is ”Ipinle Omoluabi”,a state whose people are known everywhere for good character, integrity and moral uprightness.
“Your pilgrims have lived true to that identity right here in the holy land, and in doing so, they have brought great honour to Osun State before the entire Muslim world gathered here for this sacred exercise.”he said
He urged all members of the delegation to sustain the high standards displayed and to conclude the remaining days of the pilgrimage exercise with the same spirit of discipline and decorum.
The NAHCON Commissioner also issued a stern reminder to pilgrims regarding the official luggage regulations for the return journey to Nigeria. He stated that each pilgrim is permitted to travel with a maximum of two bags weighing 23 kilogrammes each, totalling 46 kilogrammes, in addition to one 8 kilogramme hand luggage or backpack.He warned that any pilgrim found travelling with baggage exceeding the approved weight limit would have the excess items confiscated by Saudi Arabian immigration and airport officials at the point of departure, and urged all pilgrims to weigh and properly arrange their belongings well ahead of their scheduled return trip.
In his address ,the Board Chairman of the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and Amir’l-Hajj, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Maruf Olawale Ishola equally reinforced the luggage warning, emphasising that pilgrims must resist the temptation to purchase excessive items that could put them in difficulty at the airport.He called on pilgrims to remain focused on the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage as they prepare to conclude their stay in the holy land.
In his remarks, the Administrative Secretary of the Board, Mr. Muritala Fakunle, expressed profound gratitude to NAHCON for the visit.He extended board’s appreciation to the magnanimous disposition of the Osun State Governor, His Excellency Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, whose unwavering financial commitment and personal interest in the welfare of Osun pilgrims have ensured a smooth and dignified Hajj experience for the state’s delegation.
He noted that the Governor’s support had contributed significantly to the seamless operations recorded so far during the 2026 Hajj season.
Among NAHCON South-West Commissioner’s entourage were the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Alidu Shutti; the Representative of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Professor Mahfus Adedimeji; the NAHCON South-West Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Wasiu Adetoro; and other NAHCON stakeholders.
Information Officer,
Osun State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board
Reporting from Makkah.
