Kwara State has commenced the 2026 Hajj exercise with the successful airlift of 374 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims departed General Tunde Idi-Agbon International Airport aboard a Max Air flight en route to Madinah.

A total of 1,714 pilgrims from the state are expected to participate in this year's Hajj exercise.

Addressing the pilgrims, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq charged them to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Kwara State and Nigeria during their stay in the holy land.

Represented by his Special Adviser, Alhaji Saadu Salaudeen, Governor AbdulRazaq urged strict adherence to the laws of Saudi Arabia and called on the pilgrims to pray for peace and unity in the country.

The Amirul Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu, assured that the welfare of the pilgrims would be given top priority throughout the pilgrimage.

Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, said that medical personnel and adequate feeding arrangements, including local meals, have been put in place to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims.