The first group of Kwara State pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj exercise has successfully returned to Nigeria. A total of 558 pilgrims arrived early Saturday morning at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, the state capital.
The returnees, who landed at exactly 6:19 a.m. aboard a Max Airline flight, were visibly joyful and in high spirits after completing the holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. They were led by Hajia Khadijat Otuyo, a member of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, who accompanied them throughout the spiritual journey.
Speaking to journalists upon arrival, several pilgrims expressed deep appreciation to the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board for the smooth coordination of the entire pilgrimage.
They commended the board for providing quality accommodation, adequate feeding, and efficient transportation during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Earlier in the week, the Kwara State Government had announced that the return of pilgrims to Nigeria would be carried out in four phases. This disclosure was made by Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, in an official statement released on Tuesday.
According to the statement, “Kwara has some 2,204 pilgrims this year, one of the largest contingents from Nigeria. These pilgrims are scheduled to depart Saudi Arabia in four batches on June 21st, 23rd, 25th, and 27th.
This schedule was not determined by the Kwara State Government alone but was agreed upon by all relevant stakeholders, including NAHCON, the airlines, and the pilgrims’ board.”
The successful return of the first batch marks the beginning of the return journey for thousands of other Kwara pilgrims, as the state looks forward to welcoming the remaining batches in the coming days.