The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the first batch of pilgrims from the state who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia will arrive in Ilorin on Sunday.

The pilgrims are expected to land at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, aboard MaxAir.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the board’s Press Secretary, Mrs. Jumoke Jimoh.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, said all arrangements had been concluded for the reception of the returnees.

He disclosed that a total of 560 pilgrims would arrive in the first batch on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

“A total of 560 pilgrims will be transported by MaxAir and are expected to land at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, tomorrow, Sunday, June 7, 2026,” he said.

Abdulkadir explained that the return of pilgrims had been scheduled in batches to ensure a smooth and coordinated process.

He added that the second batch would arrive on Tuesday, while the third batch is expected on Friday. The final batch is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026.

According to him, all pilgrims from Kwara State are in good health and high spirits after the completion of the religious exercise in Saudi Arabia.

“All Kwara pilgrims are in good health and high spirits. We thank Almighty Allah for granting us a successful Hajj exercise this year,” he said.

The Chairman of the board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support, saying it contributed significantly to the success of the pilgrimage.

“We appreciate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support and commitment, which contributed immensely to the smooth and successful Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

He assured families and well-wishers of the pilgrims that adequate arrangements had been made for a smooth reception at the airport.

The board said it will continue to provide updates as subsequent batches return to the state.