....Urged to Deepen Devotion Ahead of Departure from Saudi Arabia
By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Amirul Hajj of Edo State for the 2026 Hajj exercise, HRH Mallam Ali D. Sulayman, the Oghieaga of Ivbie, has commended pilgrims from the state for their exemplary conduct, cooperation, and coordination throughout the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during an engagement with the pilgrims in Makkah, the Amirul Hajj urged them to make the most of the remaining days before their departure by increasing acts of worship, supplications, and spiritual reflection at the Holy Ka'abah.
He noted that the period presents a unique opportunity for pilgrims to draw closer to Allah, emphasizing that it may be the only chance some of them will have to perform Hajj and worship at the sacred sites.
He said, "We are gradually counting down to our departure date. I want to encourage all pilgrims to maximize the remaining time in Makkah by engaging in prayers, supplications, meditation, and other acts of worship around the Ka'abah,"
The Amirul Hajj expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Edo contingent, noting that no pilgrim was reported missing throughout the Hajj rites, a development he attributed to the discipline and cooperation exhibited by the leadership of the board and the pilgrims.
He also appealed to the pilgrims for forgiveness over any shortcomings on the part of the officials.
"For any shortcoming, I take responsibility. If there is anything we have done wrong or which we ought to have done, I want to appeal to you, for Allah's sake, forgive me and forgive us. We ask for your understanding and forgiveness. May Allah forgive us all," he stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, thanked the pilgrims for their patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout the Hajj exercise.
According to him, every Hajj operation comes with its own peculiar challenges, but the support and cooperation of the pilgrims have contributed significantly to the success recorded by the Edo contingent.
"We thank you for the cooperation and patience so far. Every Hajj has its own challenges. There is no time there will be no challenges. On behalf of the Edo State Government, we thank you for your patience and cooperation," he said.
On preparations for the return journey, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammedkabir, urged pilgrims to strictly comply with luggage regulations approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the airlines.
He reminded the pilgrims that each person is entitled to two checked-in luggage bags weighing 23 kilograms each and one hand luggage weighing eight kilograms.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that weighing scales had been provided to assist pilgrims in ensuring compliance with the approved weight limits, noting that authorities would strictly enforce the regulations during the return airlift.
"As we approach the time for departure, we need to stick to what NAHCON has approved. We were given two 23kg luggage allowances and one 8kg hand luggage. This year, weighing scales have been provided to help pilgrims monitor the weight of their luggage. The authorities are very strict, and on no account should any pilgrim exceed the approved weight limits," he warned.
The Edo pilgrims are expected to commence preparations for their return to Nigeria following the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj rites, especially as states like Kogi, .Jigawa, Ogun, Nasarawa among others have been airlifted.
