The Oyo State Government says it is targeting the airlift of 2026 Hajj-intending pilgrims from the state to commence from the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan.
To achieve this, the Upgrading Committee of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, has intensified efforts to ensure the plan becomes a reality, in line with the vision of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.
During a visit to the leadership of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and an inspection of facilities at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, the Committee Chairman, Abimbola Adekanmbi said the inspection was necessary to identify areas requiring urgent attention.
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He emphasised the need to put in place essential facilities at both the Hajj Camp and the airport ahead of the visit by the assessment team from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory agencies, noting that such would facilitate prompt approval.
Adekanmbi also pledged to personally support the renovation of critical facilities pending approval by the Governor and the release of funds, calling for synergy among all relevant stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the plan for the 2026 Hajj intending pilgrims to depart from the Alakia Airport.
The Chairman further urged the Board to submit its proposal promptly to enable the renovation work to commence without delay.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere acknowledged the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde and the committee on the ongoing airport upgrade, saying “the pace of work at the airport is quite commendable.”
Atere said that the Board has made significant progress which he attributed to continued support received from the governor.
While highlighting the achievements of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and its challenges, he appreciated Adekanmbi for the gesture extended to the Board.