The Kwara Government has disclosed that the first batch of prospective pilgrims to this year's Hajj from the state would be transported on Sept. 20.

The Executive Secretary of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajia Fatimoh Jimoh, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.

Jimoh said the board had started series of enlightenment programmes as well as distribution of bags and other materials in readiness for the transportation of the first batch.

She said 2,550 pilgrims were expected to perform the pilgrimage from the state, adding that all of them would be transported in six or seven batches from the Ilorin International Airport.

The executive secretary said the board had secured decent accommodation for the pilgrims at Makkah and Madinah, assuring the pilgrims of a good time while in the holy land.

"This year's pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia under the supervision of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board will be one of the best in the country in view of the perfect arrangement put in place," she said.

Jimoh said prospective pilgrims from the state would have value for their money as arrangement had been made to accommodate four pilgrims per room.

The executive secretary advised the pilgrims to shun negative tendencies that could tarnish their image and that of the state while in the holy land.

She urged them to pray for peace, unity, love and progress in the country.