The last batch of 312 Kwara pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise, including the Amirul-Hajj, Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, and other state officials, arrived on Tuesday, July 17th, 2024, at the Gen Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.
The pilgrims were initially expected to arrive on Thursday, July 19, 2024 according to the original schedule.
During a brief conversation with journalists at the airport’s arrival wing, Oloriegbe expressed gratitude to the Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the pilgrimage.
He also acknowledged the unwavering support from the State Governor, Malam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, which contributed to the smoothness of the entire process.
Additionally, he recognized the cooperation of the Mashood-Jimba-led Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board and the officials from NAHCON and other aviation agencies in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Oloriegbe advised the pilgrims to make the most of the spiritual enlightenment provided by the journey and to refrain from engaging in any activities that would compromise their Hajj or question the integrity of their newfound status.
Prof Mashood Mahmud Jimba, Chairman of the State Pilgrims Board, expressed appreciation to the state governor for selecting Oloriegbe as the Amirul-Hajj, lauding the former lawmaker’s outstanding leadership as a significant asset for the Board in facilitating the pilgrims’ operations.
Jimba assured that the Board will continue to capitalize on the momentum and apply the lessons learned in preparation for future operations.
More than 3,000 pilgrims from Kwara and neighbouring states travelled from the Ilorin airport for the pilgrimage this year.