The 2026 Hajj pilgrims from Oyo State on Wednesday commenced another mandatory Hajj rite with a visit to Jamarat in Mina for the symbolic stoning ritual.
The pilgrims departed Muzdalifah for muna early Wednesday after observing the required religious rites at the location on Tuesday night.
Speaking through a phone call from Nigeria during the annual programme of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board in Arafah, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE congratulated the pilgrims on the successful completion of the Hajj rites in Arafah.
The Governor described the participation by the pilgrims in the Hajj pilgrimage as a rare privilege considering the millions of Muslims across the globe seeking the spiritual exercise.
He noted that destiny, timing and the support of benefactors play significant roles in human life, stressing that the pilgrims’ participation was a product of those factors.
Alhaji AbdulHakeem AbdulAzeez, the Personal Assistant to the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Leader of the State Government Delegates in his remarks, urged the pilgrims to remain grateful to Almighty Allah and appreciate their benefactors at all times.
He also commended them for serving as worthy ambassadors of the state in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Delivering a brief sermon at the event, the Chairman of the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Abdul-Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide JP, warned the pilgrims against engaging in acts prohibited by Allah.
He further urged them to remain steadfast in their devotion to Allah and continually seek His guidance and assistance.
The Chairman disclosed that the registration process for the 2027 Hajj exercise had already been announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, calling on intending pilgrims from the state to commence registration early.
Sheikh Atere also appreciated Governor Makinde for his consistent support to the board and acknowledged the contributions and donations from individuals towards the success of the pilgrimage exercise.
In a chat with some of the pilgrims, Alhaji Adeyemo Maroof, Alhaji Raji Gbolagade, Alhaji Sarafadeen Akanbi and Alhaja Sadare Sekinat, expressed delight for being among those who converged across the globe for the Hajj pilgrimage .
They revealed that the orientation lectures on Hajj rites and the necessary preparations for each stage of the pilgrimage put in place by the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board had made the exercise easier for them.
The pilgrims are expected to complete the symbolic stoning ritual on Friday, 29 May 2026.
Highlights of the event included Qur’an recitation and special prayers for Nigeria, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, the Executive Governor of Oyo State; Oyo State, The Board, individual pilgrims and Distinguished Senator Monsurat Sunmonu who provided over one thousand pilgrims with sumptuous local meals on the day of Arafah alongside other individuals who contributed to the success of the board.
