Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday visited the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport to bid farewell to the fifth batch of the state’s Hajj pilgrims bound for Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
During his visit, Governor AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for significant improvements in Hajj operations this year, contrasting with the challenges faced last year.
“You can see that the pilgrims are happy. There is a huge improvement. I would like to thank the Federal Government for the improvement at the airport. The airfield lighting is back and better. Last year, our pilgrims had to fly through Lagos because facilities were not in place. This flight is going directly to Saudi Arabia,” said the governor.
“So, once again, I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for looking into the welfare of the pilgrims with all the facilities they put in place for the flights to go smoothly.”
Accompanied by the Chairman of the State Muslim Welfare Board, Prof. Moshood Mahmud Jimba, Governor AbdulRazaq urged the pilgrims to pray for the unity and progress of the country and to conduct themselves as good ambassadors of Kwara State.
The Governor’s presence was warmly received by the pilgrims, who expressed their appreciation and prayed for his success in office.
Other dignitaries accompanying the Governor included the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi; Majority Leader Hon. Oba Magaji Abdulkadir; Clerk of the House Alhaji Kareem Ahmed; and Special Adviser (Special Duties) Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah.
Prof. Jimba highlighted the Governor’s consistent support for the Board’s programs and activities. The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji AbdulSalam Abdulkadir, advised the pilgrims to adhere to the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia and the Hajj activities.
The Public Relations Officer of the Board, Hajia Jumoke Jimoh, reported that the fifth batch of 315 intending pilgrims from Kwara State departed for Saudi Arabia at 11:18 am aboard Air-Peace Airline.
