By, Olawale Ogunbusola

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.