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The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the first batch of pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia will return to Ilorin on Sunday, marking the commencement of the state’s homebound pilgrimage operations.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Saturday by the board’s Press Secretary, Mrs. Jumoke Jimoh.
Speaking on the arrangements for the pilgrims’ return, the Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, disclosed that all preparations had been concluded to ensure a smooth reception of the first batch of returnees.
According to him, a total of 560 pilgrims will be airlifted by MaxAir and are expected to arrive at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Abdulkadir explained that the return journey has been scheduled in phases to guarantee an orderly and seamless operation.
He stated that the second batch of pilgrims is expected on Tuesday, while the third batch will arrive on Friday. The final batch is scheduled to return on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The Executive Secretary further revealed that all Kwara pilgrims successfully completed the Hajj rites and remain in good health and high spirits.
“All Kwara pilgrims are in good health and high spirits. We thank Almighty Allah for granting us a successful Hajj exercise this year,” he said.
Also commenting on the exercise, the Chairman of the board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support and commitment towards the successful conduct of the pilgrimage.
Mahmud-Jimba noted that the governor’s backing played a significant role in ensuring a hitch-free Hajj operation for pilgrims from the state.
He also assured families, friends, and well-wishers of the returning pilgrims that adequate arrangements had been made to facilitate a smooth reception process at the airport.
The board said it would continue to provide updates as the remaining batches of pilgrims return from the holy land in the coming days.
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