Oyo State Governor , Engr. Seyi Makinde has expressed optimism that the 2026 Intending Pilgrims from Oyo State will be airlifted directly to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Alaakia Airport, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde stated this on Wednesday at the Farewell Ceremony organized by the Oyo State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board ( Muslim Wing) for the 2025 Intending Pilgrims from Oyo State at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan.
He explained that the Alaakia Airport, which is currently under upgrade will be ready for operations soon ,noting that the Airport will serve as regional airport in the country after completion.
He admonished the intending pilgrims’ to be good ambassadors of Oyo State and endeavor to pray for both federal and Oyo state governments in the holy land.
He reiterated the commitment of the government to providing the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Board the necessary support to further deliver its mandate at ease.
“Our pilgrims we have their airlift here in Ibadan next year. The Airlift won’t be a symbolic one but direct to Saudi Arabia.
“On infrastructure, the second part of the bridge serving this axis is ready . I saw it while coming to this place , the circular road is also there that will link the people of the state . I want to believe that the office complex in this premises will be completed.
” I don’t have headache again neither complaints from the intending pilgrims. I thank the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board ( Muslim Wing), Sheik Hashim Abdul-Wahab Atere and his team for the good work , looking forward to a successful pilgrimage this year”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board, Shiekh Hashim Abdul-Wahab Atere, hinted that the first and second batches of the intending pilgrims will depart for Saudi Arabia on the 10th and 11th May , 2025 .
He added that there won’t be any gap in the return flights of the two batches.
Enumerating various innovations introduced by the Board to make the holy Journey stress free for the intending pilgrims, Sheikh Atere appreciated the governor for his unalloyed supports to the Board .
He equally thanked Senator Monsurat Sumonu and other personalities for the gesture extended to Oyo State pilgrims .
The event had in attendance, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland , Sheikh Abdulganiyy Abubakry Agbotomokekere , Speaker , Oyo State House of Assembly, Right Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, Senator Monsurat Sumonu, Vice National Chairman, PDP( South) , Alhaji Chief Taofeeq Arapaja , Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs . Olubunmi Oni, mni among others .
