The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced revised departure dates for intending pilgrims, who will now travel to the Holy Land on May 6, 7 and 8.

The board's Executive Secretary, Alhaji AbdulKadri Abdulsalam, disclosed the update during a pilgrims' enlightenment programme held on Sunday in Ilorin.

"Earlier, we announced departures for May 6, 7 and 9, but the airline has adjusted the schedule.

"Pilgrims will now depart on May 6, 7 and 8 consecutively, with two flights on the first day and one flight each on the second and third days," he said.

Abdulsalam stressed the importance of the orientation exercise, emphasising that the board's duty extends beyond collecting Hajj fares to ensuring pilgrims are adequately instructed on the rites of the pilgrimage.

"It would be unfair for us to collect N7.7 million from a pilgrim without teaching the person how to perform Hajj.

"We believe we have a duty before Allah to properly guide the pilgrims," Abdulsalam said.

He noted that the instructional sessions would cover the proper wearing of the ihram, the performance of tawaf and sa'i, alongside other religious obligations pilgrims will undertake upon reaching Makkah.

According to the executive secretary, a replica of the Kaaba has been set up to facilitate practical demonstrations, with the Grand Khadi of Kwara State scheduled to lead the training sessions.

Abdulsalam further announced that the vaccination exercise for pilgrims will begin on April 27, adding that official uniforms and travel bags have been prepared for distribution.

He stated that the immunisation process should be concluded within the week, subject to pilgrim turnout, and confirmed that medical personnel will be available daily from 9 a.m.

The board chief also advised intending pilgrims to exercise patience throughout the journey, noting that endurance is vital for a successful Hajj experience.

"Hajj is not a luxury or a jamboree. It requires patience and endurance.

"There may be challenges along the way, but pilgrims must take everything in good faith as they perform one of the pillars of Islam," he added.