The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has successfully airlifted the fourth batch of 558 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The flight departed in the early hours of Sunday from Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.

According to a statement released by Jumoke Jimoh, Press Secretary of the board, this latest airlift brings the total number of pilgrims from Kwara State to 2,083, including nine officials from the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON). One official from the state accompanied this fourth batch of pilgrims.

Prior to their departure, the State Amirul Hajj, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Barrister Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, addressed the pilgrims, urging them to be exemplary ambassadors of both Kwara State and Nigeria during their stay in the holy land.

Professor Mahmood Jimba, Chairman of the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board, offered prayers for the pilgrims' safe journey and for the acceptance of their acts of worship by Almighty Allah.

The Executive Secretary of the board also emphasized the importance of adhering to rules and regulations while in Saudi Arabia, cautioning pilgrims against engaging in activities that could tarnish the image of Kwara State or Nigeria.

The Max Airline flight carrying the pilgrims took off at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, heading directly to Saudi Arabia. According to the airlifting schedule, the remaining intending pilgrims from Kwara State are expected to depart on Monday, completing the state's 2025 Hajj airlift operations.