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 the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
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 Islamic scholars, Dr Ibrahim Adebolu and Dr Ibrahim Adelani gave detailed explanations on every stage of the spiritual rites .
The duo 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.
