Date: 2016-08-10

The first batch of five hundred and four (504) pilgrims from kwara State that were airlifted from the Ilorin International Airport in the early hours of today,(Tuesday) have arrived safely in Madinah ,Saudi Arabia in commencement for this year's pilgrimage.

They arrived the Holy land about Noon Nigerian time via FLYNAS ,a Saudi Arabian Airline. The pilgrims included two hundred and eighty one male and two hundred and twenty three female.

VON correspondent reports from Ilorin that the Secretary to the State government ,Alhaji Isiaka Shola Gold who represented the state governor, Alhaji Abdul Fatah Ahmed and the Amirul Hajj ,Justice Idris Abdullahi Haroun as well as officials of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board bided the pilgrims farewell before their departure.

The Amirul Hajj emphasised the need for the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of not only of the State but the entire nation and pray for peace to continue to reign supreme in the country.

Justice Haroun reiterated his earlier warning that all prohibited items should be strictly avoided as Saudi Arabia Government is very strict on the matters of law. The Amirul Hajj commended the State government for its concerted efforts to make this year's pilgrimage not only hitch free but on schedule.

An Islamic Scholar, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Aduagba led the first batch of pilgrims on the pilgrimage. The second batch of pilgrims consisting another five hundred are expected to be airlifted tonight and arrive tomorrow (Wednesday).