State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board said it has registered a total 3,102 intending pilgrims for this year’s hajj, the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir disclosed.
He disclosed this in Ilorin on Sunday while speaking at a special prayer organized by the Board to kick start this year’s hajj activities.
The prayer session which was held at the Board premises, Adewole Area, Ilorin, also featured enlightenment programme for all intending pilgrims.
The prayer session was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Soliu and supported by other Islamic scholars. The Chief Imam prayed for a successful hitch free hajj exercise.
The Muslim leader also prayed for God’s guidance and protection for management of the Board and all intending pilgrims while Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Dignitaries at the prayer session include Balogun Gambari of Ilorin, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammed; Balogun Fulani of Ilorin,Alhaji Abubakar Sidiq Atiku; the Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin,Alhaji Isiaka Okunrinjeje; Balogun of Alanamu, Dr. Abubakar Usman Jos; Magaji Aare of Ilorin, Alhaji Shuaib Aremu Zubair; Baba Isale of Ilorin Alhaji Abdullahi Sidiq Baba-Ile Apa; Balogun Afin, Alhaji Muhammad Nuhu and other traditional chiefs in Ilorin Emirate and beyond.
The state Amir hajj for the year 2024, Senator Ibrahim Yahya Oloriegbe; Board Chairman, Prof Mashood Mahmud Jimba and other members and management of the Board also attended the programme.
The Executive Secretary noted that all the 3,102 intending pilgrims would be airlifted in 10 batches of 310 pilgrims per batch.
Abdulkadir disclosed that the inaugural flight from Nigeria would take place on the 12th of May, while airlifting of first flight for 2024 hajj from Kwara State to the Kingdom of Saudi will take place on the 20th of May of 2024.
He disclosed further that the visa for the first batch from the state is ready and intact.
He added that about 3,200 intending pilgrims registered with the board but only 3,102 were able to complete additional payment of N1.9 million within the stipulated time.
In his brief lecture at the event, the Grand Khadi of Kwara State, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, urged all intending pilgrims to prepare for the exercise with the fear of God.
He also admonished intending pilgrims to abide by dos and don’ts of the exercise.
“I want to advise you all to prepare for hajj with fear of God. You must forgive those who offend you in one way or the other so that you can also receive Allah’s merch and forgiveness in the Holy Land”.
Senator Oloriegbe for his part, promised that the Board would be just and fair to all intending pilgrims from the state while in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
While soliciting for the support and cooperation of all intending pilgrims, he assured that the management of the board would carry them along in the scheme of things to ensure hitch free hajj exercise.
He also assured that efforts were on top gear to ensure that Kwara pilgrims airlift from Ilorin International Airport to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He urged all intending pilgrims to be patient in their conducts and channel their complaint and grievances to the appropriate quarters.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board, Prof Mashood Mahmud Jimba said all hands are on deck to ensure hitch free hajj exercise, urging intending pilgrims to be patient, persevere and listen to instructions from the Board representatives.
The prayer and enlightenment programme had representatives of Customs, Immigration, NAHCON, FAAN among other stakeholders in attendance who urged intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
