1,714 Kwara Pilgrims Set for 2026 Hajj — Board

The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that 1,714 pilgrims from the state will participate in the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The Board’s Secretary, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, disclosed this on Wednesday while featuring on a radio programme, Oro-Ilu, on Sobi FM. He stated that preparations are in top gear to ensure a smooth and hitch-free pilgrimage, with arrangements in place for the timely airlift of all intending pilgrims.

According to him, visas have been secured, accommodation in Saudi Arabia has been arranged, and distribution of bags and other Hajj materials is ongoing. He added that the Board is expected to receive the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for pilgrims next week.

Abdulkadir further revealed that the National Hajj Commission has fixed May 3 for the inaugural flight nationwide. Kwara pilgrims are scheduled to be airlifted in three batches on May 6, 7, and 9 via Max Air.

He advised all intending pilgrims to keep their permit access cards safe.

The Board will also conduct enlightenment programmes for pilgrims ahead of the exercise. The first session is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and will be led by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhamid. A second session will hold on April 26, to be addressed by the Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen.

Abdulkadir urged all intending pilgrims to attend both programmes promptly, noting that key guidelines and rules of the Hajj will be thoroughly explained.

He also announced that the 2026 Hajj fare for Kwara pilgrims, as approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, is N7,750,000.

The Secretary added that pilgrims who had earlier paid N8,500,000, based on a previous announcement, should visit the Board for a refund with proof of payment. He clarified that refunds will only be made to the original payees whose names appear on the receipts.