The final group of 312 Kwara pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj, including Amirul-Hajj Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe and other state officials, arrived at the Gen Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin on Tuesday, July 17, 2024. Initially scheduled to return on Thursday, July 19, 2024, the pilgrims returned earlier than expected.
Senator Oloriegbe expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful pilgrimage and acknowledged the unwavering support from State Governor Malam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, which contributed to the smoothness of the entire process. He also recognized the cooperation of the Mashood-Jimba-led Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board, NAHCON officials, and aviation agencies in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Oloriegbe advised the pilgrims to make the most of the spiritual enlightenment gained from the journey and to refrain from any actions that might compromise their Hajj or 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 and praised his outstanding leadership. Jimba assured that the Board will build on the momentum and lessons learned to improve future operations.
This year, more than 3,000 pilgrims from Kwara and neighbouring states traveled from the Ilorin airport for the pilgrimage.
