The 2026 Hajj pilgrims from Oyo State on Wednesday commenced another mandatory Hajj rite with a visit to Jamarat in Mina for the symbolic stoning ritual.

The pilgrims departed Muzdalifah  for muna early Wednesday after observing the required religious rites at the location on Tuesday night.

Speaking through a phone call from Nigeria during the annual programme of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board in Arafah, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE congratulated the pilgrims on the successful completion of the Hajj rites in Arafah.

The Governor described the participation by the pilgrims in the Hajj pilgrimage as a rare privilege considering the millions of Muslims across the globe seeking the spiritual exercise.

He noted that destiny, timing and the support of benefactors play significant roles in human life, stressing that the pilgrims’ participation was a product of those factors.

Alhaji AbdulHakeem AbdulAzeez, the Personal Assistant to the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Leader of the State Government Delegates in his remarks, urged the pilgrims to remain grateful to Almighty Allah and appreciate their benefactors at all times.

He also commended them for serving as worthy ambassadors of the State in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Delivering a brief sermon at the event, the Chairman of the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Abdul-Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide JP, warned the pilgrims against engaging in acts prohibited by Allah.

He further urged them to remain steadfast in their devotion to Allah and continually seek His guidance and assistance.

The Chairman disclosed that the registration process for the 2027 Hajj exercise had already been announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, calling on intending pilgrims from the State to commence registration early.

Sheikh Atere also appreciated Governor Makinde for his consistent support to the board and acknowledged the contributions and donations from individuals towards the success of the pilgrimage exercise.

In a chat with some of the pilgrims, Alhaji Adeyemo Maroof, Alhaji  Raji Gbolagade, Alhaji Sarafadeen Akanbi and  Alhaja Sadare Sekinat, expressed delight  for being among those who converged across the globe for the Hajj pilgrimage .

They revealed that the orientation lectures on Hajj rites and the necessary preparations for each stage of the pilgrimage put in place by the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board had made the exercise easier for them.

The pilgrims are expected to complete the symbolic stoning ritual on Friday, 29 May 2026.

Highlights of the event included Qur’an recitation and special prayers for Nigeria, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, the Executive Governor of Oyo State; Oyo State, The Board, individual pilgrims and Distinguished Senator Monsurat Sunmonu who provided over one thousand pilgrims with sumptuous local meals on the day of Arafah  alongside other individuals who contributed to the success of the board.

The Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has intensified preparations to ensure that pilgrims from the State perform the major Hajj rites successfully through the inspection of facilities allocated to the State in Arafat and Mina by Mashariq Al-Dahabiah, the Service Provider appointed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for all Nigerian States in Saudi Arabia.

Facilities inspected by officials of the Board, led by its Secretary, Mr Kamorudeen Babatunde Fasasi, included tents, beds, toilets, security apparatus and other essential amenities.

Route assessments were also carried out to aid the easy movement of pilgrims from one point to another in Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah during the spiritual Hajj rites, scheduled for the holy sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking shortly after the inspection tour on Thursday in Mina on behalf of the Chairman of the Board, Sheikh Abdul-Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP, the Secretary of the Board, Mr.Kamorudeen Babatunde Fasasi, revealed that an advance team would be deployed to each location to put necessary arrangements in place before the arrival of the pilgrims.

He hinted that all pilgrims from the State were getting set for the spiritual rites, which will commence on Monday, May 25, 2026.

The Chairman further disclosed that the pilgrims would depart Makkah for Mina on Sunday, May 24, 2026, and proceed to Arafat the following day.

“Alhamdulillahi, preparations for the much-awaited last five days of Hajj are in top gear. Our pilgrims are doing well. We held a series of lectures on how best to perform Hajj, delivered by erudite Islamic scholars, and I believe our pilgrims are now better informed.

“We equally organised a seven-day special prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran to seek Allah’s continuous guidance before, during and after Arafat, while the final session of the special prayer is scheduled to hold on the Day of Arafat.”

Sheikh Atere lauded the continued cooperation of the pilgrims and urged them to take advantage of the glorious Day of Arafat to pray for

themselves, their families, well-wishers, Oyo State, the entire Muslim ummah and an end to insecurity in Nigeria .

He also appreciated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his continuous support for the Board.

In separate lectures delivered by the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji (Imam) Abdul- Rasheed Abdul-  Azees, Islamic Scholars; Dr Ibrahim Adebolu and Dr Ibrahim Adelani gave detailed explanations on every stage of the spiritual rites .

The trio admonished the pilgrims not to engage in unnecessary activities during the period but abide by the instructions of the leadership of the Board.

Dr Adelani also admonished pilgrims not to  keep malice against anyone  but endeavor to reconcile with concerned individuals, saying that Islam encourages forgiveness, peace, unity and mutual understanding among believers.

Emphasizing that love for one’s Country is part of belief, Dr Abdul- Abdul- Rasheed, urged the pilgrims to pray for our dear Country and State for security and peace to reign.

A total of Nine-Hundred and Forty-Five pilgrims (945) from Oyo state have successfully completed their Umrah in Makkah in continuation of their religious obligations attributed to Hajj.

The last batch of the pilgrims who are currently in Medina are expected to join their counterparts in Makkah on Tuesday,12th May , 2026, for similar exercises.

The three batches received warmly by the representatives of the Saudi Arabian government performed Umrah with little or no stress under the tutelage of renowned scholars from the state and beyond.

Addressing the third batch of pilgrims before departing Medina for Makkah yesterday, the Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP , expressed concern over the attitudes and approach of some Nigerian pilgrims to Hajj exercises.

He emphasised that Nigerian pilgrims, particularly those from the southwest region, need to put aside social activities during hajj but focus solely on worshipping Allah, who made the journey possible for them.

He called on pilgrims from Oyo state to seek spiritual growth continually and rededicate themselves to the cause of Allah. He emphasised the need for the pilgrims to create time to rest and perform the required obligations in modest.

Sheikh Atere also warned against unnecessary movement during the day, considering the weather conditions of the host country and cities.

The Chairman also appreciated the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE for the tremendous support and others whose support and advice have significantly contributed to the progress and success recorded so far .

Ninety -one pilgrims, led by the Chairman of the Board , Sheikh Atere are expected to be in Makkah tomorrow to make a total of One-Thousand and thirty -six pilgrims participating in 2026 Hajj from Oyo state, a figure that put the state in the forefront among the participating states from the south-west.

…as Final Batch Departs for Medina Ahead of Makkah Trip Tomorrow

A total of Nine-Hundred and Forty-Five pilgrims (945) from Oyo state have successfully completed their Umrah in Makkah in continuation of their religious obligations attributed to Hajj.

The last batch of the pilgrims who are currently in Medina are expected to join their counterparts in Makkah on Tuesday,12th May , 2026, for similar exercises.

The three batches received warmly by the representatives of the Saudi Arabian government performed Umrah with little or no stress under the tutelage of renowned scholars from the state and beyond.

Addressing the third batch of pilgrims before departing Medina for Makkah yesterday, the Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP , expressed concern over the attitudes and approach of some Nigerian pilgrims to Hajj exercises.

He emphasised that Nigerian pilgrims, particularly those from the southwest region, need to put aside social activities during hajj but focus solely on worshipping Allah, who made the journey possible for them.

He called on pilgrims from Oyo state to seek spiritual growth continually and rededicate themselves to the cause of Allah. He emphasised the need for the pilgrims to create time to rest and perform the required obligations in modest.

Sheikh Atere also warned against unnecessary movement during the day, considering the weather conditions of the host country and cities.

The Chairman also appreciated the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE for the tremendous support and others whose support and advice have significantly contributed to the progress and success recorded so far .

Ninety -one pilgrims, led by the Chairman of the Board , Sheikh Atere are expected to be in Makkah tomorrow to make a total of One-Thousand and thirty -six pilgrims participating in 2026 Hajj from Oyo state, a figure that put the state in the forefront among the participating states from the south-west.

The first batch of 315 intending pilgrims from Oyo State have safely arrived in Medinah,  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to commence the 2026 Hajj rites.

The pilgrims arrived at the holy city to begin the required religious activities as part of the Hajj rites.

They touched down at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday aboard an Air Peace flight at the Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina.

The pilgrims, who were commended for their peaceful conduct from their point of departure at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, were led by board members,  including Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf Olayiwola Biznillah, Alhaji Amusat Ayuba Agboola, Alhaji (Imam) AbdulMajeed Olanase, Alhaji Daud Bolaji Afolabi, Alhaji Abdulrahmon Bakare Agbotomokekere, and the Secretary of the Board, Mr. Kamorudeen Babatunde Fasasi.

Speaking ahead of their departure in Lagos on behalf of the Chairman of the Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP, the Secretary, Mr. Fasasi reassured the pilgrims and allayed their concerns about the journey and the tasks ahead.

He noted that necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling stay for the pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He further disclosed that those who paid above the stipulated amount for the 2026 Hajj would soon receive their refunds any moment from now.

.holds Fourth Orientation Programme

The Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has finalized its vaccination exercise for the 2026 Hajj-intending pilgrims from the state, aimed at protecting them against contagious diseases during their stay in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The Board also held its fourth phase of the periodic education and orientation programme for the intending pilgrims in Ibadan , Oyo , Ogbomoso, Iseyin and Saki zones on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

The Chairman of the Board, Shiekh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP, while addressing the intending pilgrims, affirmed that the Board would not relent in its efforts to expose them to the rudiments of Hajj and required knowledge through constant orientation and sensitization.

He explained that preparation for the holy journey is in top gear, urging them to be alert for updates from the Board, including the date for the annual farewell ceremony and airlift schedule.

Taking them through various stages and mandatory aspects of Hajj, Shiekh Atere admonished the intending pilgrims to take advantage of the opportunities and benefits attributed to Hajj by participating in every stage of the religious ritual without a divided mind.

Speaking on the vaccination exercise, Medical Expert, Mrs. Mujidat Salam of the Federal Ministry of Health, explained that the vaccines administered on the intending pilgrims are meant to make their immune systems stronger, prevent them from getting water-related diseases, and enable them to adapt to high-temperature areas, such as Saudi Arabia.

Reiterating the importance of prevention in maintaining good health status, Mrs. Salam urged the intending pilgrims to be watchful and embrace preventive measures as they prepare for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Vaccines administered during the exercise were Yellow Fever Vaccine (YF) , Cerebrospinal Meningitis Vaccine ( CSM) Influenza and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) .

…calls for Continuous Cooperation

The Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP, has sought continuous support from the 2026 Hajj-intending pilgrims from the state, assuring that concerted efforts would be made to ensure that they perform all important aspects of Hajj as stated in the Holy Quran and the sunnah of the holy Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Sheikh Atere said this during the distribution of 2026 Hajj uniforms to the intending pilgrims and the third phase of the Education and Orientation Exercise held on Wednesday and Thursday across the state .

He explained that the era of experiencing unnecessary stress and delayed flights by the intending pilgrims no longer exists in the Oyo State Hajj industry, noting that there would be little or no gap between each batch to be airlifted to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia this year.

He attributed the development and progress in the state’s Hajj industry to the unalloyed support accorded the Board by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration. He assured that the Board would not rest on its oars but build on the success recorded so far.

He admonished the intending pilgrims to embark on the spiritual journey with a positive mindset and endeavour to put on their uniforms, caps, and hijabs during the pilgrimage for easy identification.

He warned the intending pilgrims to be modest while performing the spiritual obligations and not to take instructions from anyone apart from their group leaders to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

The education and orientation exercise , held concurrently across the designated centers in Oyo, Iseyin and Saki featured lectures delivered by scholars, second pregnancy tests, special prayers, and many more.

The leadership of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has reinstated its  commitment to providing services and guidelines that would enable the 2026 Hajj-intending pilgrims from the State to perform the spiritual obligation with ease.

Chairman of the Board, Shiekh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide JP, stated this at the second phase of the orientation programme, organized by the Board for the intending pilgrims across the State.

The orientation programme held  simultaneously on Wednesday and Thursday  at the designated centers in  Ibadan,  Saki, Iseyin and Oyo zones was part of the efforts of the Board to ensure that the intending pilgrims clearly understand how to perform an acceptable Hajj.

Speaking further, Sheikh Atere harped on the need for the intending pilgrims to embark on the spiritual journey with renewed faith and also abide by the instructions of their group leaders while in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Enumerating various programmes lined up by the Board, Sheikh Atere revealed that the uniform for this year’s Hajj will be distributed next week, urging them  to take good care of their health as the journey gets closer.

Speaking through the Secretary of the Board,  Mr. Kamorudeen Babatunde Fasasi, in Oyo and Saki zones, Sheikh Atere, described the Hajj pilgrimage as one that requires perseverance.

He warned against misplacement of vital documents such as the travelling passport, visa, Yellow Card, State Identity Card and NUSUK Card, which will be given to them in Saudi Arabia.

He assured that there would be no communication gap between the Board and the intending pilgrims for the successful 2026 Hajj operation.

In his remarks,  Hon. Justice Tajudeen Abdul-ganiyu,  admonished the intending pilgrims to stay clear of unlawful activities and goods such as bitter kola, kolanut, cocaine and other prohibited drugs.

He described Islam as a  religion that preaches obedience to laws; hence, the need for the intending pilgrims to respect and adhere strictly to the laws of the government of Saudi Arabia, NAHCON and Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board .

Other speakers  at various centers advised  the intending pilgrims to pay attention  to all aspects of the Hajj  and perform such as expected.

The Upgrading Committee of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, has intensified efforts to ensure that the airlift of 2026 Hajj-intending pilgrims from Oyo State take off from the airport, in line with the vision of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.

Speaking during a visit to the leadership of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and an inspection of facilities at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, on Tuesday, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi, said the inspection was necessary to identify areas requiring urgent attention.

He emphasized the need to put in place essential facilities at both the Hajj Camp and the airport ahead of the visit by the assessment team from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory agencies, noting that this would facilitate prompt approval.

Hon. Adekanmbi also pledged to personally support the renovation of critical facilities pending the Governor’s approval and the release of funds.

He called for synergy among all relevant stakeholders to ensure the realization of the plan for 2026 Hajj intending pilgrims to depart from the Alakia Airport.

The Chairman further urged the Board to submit its proposal promptly to enable the renovation work to commence without delay.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP acknowledged the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde and the committee on the ongoing airport upgrade, saying that the pace of work at the airport is quite commendable.

Sheikh Atere revealed that the Board has made significant progress, which he attributed to continued support received from the Governor.

Highlighting the achievements of the Board and its challenges, Sheikh Atere appreciated Hon. Adekanmbi for the gesture extended to the Board.