Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Sheikh Hashim Atere, has said pilgrims from the state to the 2026 Hajj will take off from the upgraded Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan.
He made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Ibadan.
Sheikh Atere, quoting the state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, said all that is required for wide-bodied aircraft to take off from and land at the airport has been done.
He said: “That is why the wide-bodied aircraft that conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Ibadan for the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was able to land at the airport in September. The aircraft also took off from the airport seamlessly.
“The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development had visited the airport twice before the president visited and were satisfied with what they met on ground.
“So, everything is set for our pilgrims to take off from the airport. There should not be any hindrance to our people taking off from the airport for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage.”
Sheikh Atere expressed appreciation of the Board to Governor Makinde for his unwavering support, adding that the support was responsible for all the accolades and awards received by the Board.
The chairman also assured all intending pilgrims that the Board would not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the 2026 pilgrimage is much better than the previous ones.
He also called on those who plan to go on pilgrimage with the Board to meet up with the financial obligations, noting that there will not be any extension for the 5 December payment deadline.
