By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Amirul Hajj of Edo State 2026 Hajj exercise, HRH Mallam Ali D. Suleyman, has said the Edo State Government’s sustained commitment to the welfare of pilgrims and proactive interventions in Hajj operations have positioned the state for a more seamless and successful 2026 pilgrimage.
Mallam Ali D. Suleyman, who is also the Oghieaga of Ivbie, commended the government for its unprecedented support during the 2025 Hajj, noting that the administration’s responsiveness and timely interventions significantly improved the overall experience of Edo pilgrims.
Speaking on the report of the 2025 Hajj exercise presented to the government, the royal father acknowledged that while some challenges were encountered, many of them predated the current administration and were effectively mitigated by the government’s swift actions.
He said, “Despite the challenges we met on ground, the Edo State Government was very generous and responsive. Virtually everything required for the exercise was provided, and whenever issues arose, we reached out and government responded promptly,”
He particularly lauded the government for making history by providing transportation for returning pilgrims from Lagos to Benin, a gesture he described as a major relief for pilgrims who were previously left to make their way home on their own.
He stated, “For the first time, buses were provided to convey pilgrims from Lagos back to Benin immediately on arrival. This was a landmark intervention that brought great comfort and dignity to our people,”
He also praised the government’s intervention in ensuring smooth feeding arrangements and general welfare support, which contributed to what he described as a largely successful outing for the state.
While noting minor logistical and operational gaps, including transportation within Saudi Arabia and early payment challenges, he emphasized that the government has already taken decisive steps to address them ahead of the subsequent Hajj.
According to him, Governor Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated strong political will by assuring the board of prompt approvals and early release of funds to facilitate adequate preparation.
Oghieaga noted, “The governor has made it clear that whatever is required for a successful Hajj will be provided. This commitment to early planning and execution will go a long way in eliminating the challenges of the past,”
He further disclosed that the government is working closely with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to ensure a hitch-free departure and return of pilgrims, while also making arrangements to strengthen logistics and medical support in Saudi Arabia.
On his reappointment as Amirul Hajj, Mallam Ali D. Suleyman attributed it to the governor’s confidence in continuity and effective leadership, noting that the administration’s openness to ideas and solutions has created an enabling environment for improved performance.
Looking ahead, he assured that the 2026 Hajj would witness enhanced welfare packages, including better accommodation with reduced congestion, more affordable services, and sustained quality feeding.
He commended the medical team deployed in 2025, describing their performance as exceptional, and expressed confidence that the same standard would be maintained or improved upon.
The Amirul Hajj also urged intending pilgrims to complement government’s efforts by adhering to medical screening guidelines, making early payments, and preparing physically and spiritually for the pilgrimage.
He encouraged those who were unable to participate in the 2025 exercise to remain patient and optimistic, noting that the government’s improved planning framework would create more opportunities in subsequent Hajj operations.
He expressed optimism that with the Edo State Government’s continued support and strategic interventions, the 2026 Hajj would be one of the most successful in the state’s history.
