After a day-long delay, the final batch of 140 intending pilgrims from Kwara State departed for Saudi Arabia yesterday aboard a Max aircraft.

The group, which had been housed at the Hajj Camp since Monday, took off from Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport at 6:42 p.m., concluding the state's five-scheduled-flight programme for the 2025 Hajj.

Accompanying the pilgrims were key officials, including Prof. Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, Chairman of the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board; Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, the Board's Executive Secretary; Amirul Hajj and Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Alebiosu; and representatives from the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) and state government.

Prof. Mahmud-Jimba thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support in ensuring a smooth transportation process.

Oba Ismail Alebiosu urged the pilgrims to pray for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria and Kwara State during their journey.