The first batch of 560 Kwara State pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise departed for Saudi Arabia on Monday from the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, officially commencing the state's pilgrimage operations.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Special Adviser and Councillor, Saadu Salaudeen, addressed the pilgrims before their departure, urging them to conduct themselves with dignity and represent both Kwara State and Nigeria honourably during their holy journey.

"I call on all 2,174 intending pilgrims from our state to pray for the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria and Kwara State in particular," the governor stated. He further charged the pilgrims to avoid any behaviour that could tarnish the image of the state and country while maintaining peace and harmony with fellow pilgrims.

The Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Professor Mashood Mahmood Jimba, and the Amirul-Hajj for this year, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, also addressed the pilgrims, emphasizing the importance of upholding good conduct throughout the pilgrimage.

According to Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, Executive Secretary of the Board, a total of 2,174 pilgrims will be airlifted in four separate flights as part of this year's pilgrimage operations from Kwara State.

The inaugural flight, carrying the 560 pilgrims, departed aboard a Max Airline aircraft which took off at approximately 12:40 p.m. en route to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This year's Hajj operations reflect ongoing efforts by Nigerian states to ensure smooth pilgrimage experiences for their citizens participating in one of Islam's most sacred obligations.