First batch of Kwara Pilgrims arrive in Ilorin International Airport

The first batch of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia that participated in this year’s pilgrimage from Kwara State, North Central Nigeria have arrived in Ilorin International Airport safely.

The pilgrims departed Jiddah International Airport via Max Air Flight number NGL 2010 with 541 pilgrims on board including 10 NAHCON officials about 5.33 in the morning Saudi Arabian time.

They were received by friends, family, well wishers and some officials of the Kwara State Moslem Pilgrims Welfare Board.

The Special Assistant Religion to the state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Maigoro who is still in the holy land commended the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq and the Amirul Hajj, Dr Awa Akewusola for providing adequate logistics for the pilgrims.

Alhaji Maigoro also praised the pilgrims for their patience and for their behaviours while in the holy land.

According to him, “the pilgrims offered special prayers for peace, harmony and security to reign in the state and the entire nation more so that Nigerians are preparing for a general election.”

The Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Barrister AbdulGaniyu Ahmed promised that all arrangements is being put in place to ensure smooth airlift of the remaining pilgrims.

Ahmed said; “All things being equal, the second batch are expected to be airlifted home on the 26th of this month.”

He stressed that the pilgrims were returned back home in line with how they were transported to the holy land.

The State Amirul Hajj, Dr Awa Akewusola described this year’s pilgrimage as hitch free more so that there was no case of any missing pilgrim or casualty.

According to him, preparations are being concluded for the successful airlifting of the second and third batches of the state pilgrims but appealed to the pilgrims to be patient more so that it is not only Kwara pilgrims that are being airlifted to their various destinations by the designated airlines.

Three of the pilgrims that spoke with VON on arrival are Alhaji Muhiyudeen Oseni, Alhaja Latifat Olatinwo and Alhaja Zainab Sanni.

They thanked God for the safe trip back home and commended the officials of the board, the state government and the Amirul Hajj, Dr Awa Akewusola for his welfare package and concern for the pilgrims before their departure and while in Saudi Arabia.

Mercy Chukwudiebere