Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, will begin the direct airlift of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from 2026. The governor made this disclosure during the farewell ceremony for the 2025 intending pilgrims at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, held on Wednesday, May 8.
Governor Makinde’s announcement marks a major milestone in Oyo State’s infrastructural development efforts, especially in upgrading the Ibadan airport to meet international standards. He disclosed that substantial progress has been made on the airport project, making it capable of handling international airlift, including those for religious pilgrimages.
According to the governor, the new development means future Hajj pilgrims from the state will no longer need to transit through Lagos or Abuja for international flights. “We are not going to be doing a symbolic take-off, in which you would fly from here to Lagos and take off from that point. No. You will take off from here till you get to your destination,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving travel efficiency and convenience for the Muslim faithful.
Makinde emphasized that the airport upgrade will also attract Customs and Immigration operations, a requirement for international status. He linked the progress at the airport to other ongoing infrastructure projects like the Ibadan Circular Road and the recently completed Olodo Bridge, both of which will ease access to the Hajj Camp and the airport.
While addressing the pilgrims, the governor urged them to pray for the success of both the Oyo State and Federal Governments. He encouraged them to act as good ambassadors of the state while in the holy land. “Many of you are travelling out of the country for the first time; I urge you to follow rules and conduct yourselves well so that you will not bring shame to the state or your families,” Makinde advised.
He also commended the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) led by Sheikh Wahab Atere for their diligence in organizing a smooth Hajj process. The governor lauded their success in securing timely visas and travel arrangements, noting that all pilgrims would be airlifted in two batches on May 10 and 11, 2025.
Sheikh Atere, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering support for the Muslim community. He assured the audience that the board had secured quality accommodations and logistics for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
In a lecture at the event, Professor Kamil Koyejo Oloso advised the pilgrims to remain spiritually focused, avoid extravagance, and support one another during the pilgrimage. Other dignitaries, including Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and Chief Bayo Oyero, urged the pilgrims to regard the Hajj as a solemn religious obligation and not a social trip.
Prominent figures present at the ceremony included the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, SSG Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, and Head of Service Mrs. Olubunmi Oni. Also in attendance were top Islamic leaders such as the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiyy Agbotomokekere, and representatives of the League of Imams and Alfas.
The governor’s announcement is expected to bolster Oyo State’s economic profile and ease international travel for its Muslim population. It also aligns with the state government’s broader strategy to modernize transportation infrastructure and attract federal and international partnerships.