The first batch of 558 pilgrims from Kwara State, on Saturday, returned to Ilorin, the state capital, after completing the 2025 holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims, who were in high spirit, arrived at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, aboard a Max Airline flight at 6:19am.
They were accompanied by Hajia Khadijat Otuyo, a member of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board.
The state government had on Tuesday announced that pilgrims from the state would return back to Nigeria in four batches starting from Saturday, June 21, 2025.
“Kwara has some 2,204 pilgrims this year, one of the biggest contingents from Nigeria. These pilgrims are scheduled to depart Saudi in four batches as follows: June 21st, 23rd, 25th, and 27th. This schedule was not designed by the Kwara State Government; it was designed by all the stakeholders: NAHCON, airlines, and the pilgrims’ board,” the chief press secretary to the state governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Some of the pilgrims, who spoke with reporters at the airport, appreciated the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board for the seamless arrangements, including good accommodation, meals and effective transportation throughout the Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.
