Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured that beginning in 2026, Muslim pilgrims from the state will be airlifted directly from the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Governor Makinde gave this assurance on Monday while addressing the 2025 Hajj pilgrims at the Oyo State Hajj Camp in Olodo, Lagelu Local Government Area.
Expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness for the 2025 pilgrimage, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of pilgrims and making their travel experience more convenient. He stated that the move to commence direct airlift from Ibadan is part of his government’s broader strategy to optimize the use of the state’s airport infrastructure and eliminate the need for pilgrims to travel to Lagos or Abuja for international flights.
“By the grace of God, starting from next year, our Hajj pilgrims will no longer need to travel to Lagos or Abuja for their flights. They will take off right here from the Ibadan airport,” Makinde said, receiving loud applause from the pilgrims and officials present.
He also urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Oyo State and Nigeria while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to offer prayers for the continued peace and development of the state.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Hashim Atere, lauded the state government for its unwavering support and proactive efforts in ensuring a smooth Hajj operation this year.
This year’s pilgrimage will include hundreds of participants from Oyo State, with officials confirming that all necessary arrangements for their welfare, accommodation, and transportation in Saudi Arabia have been finalized.
The introduction of direct airlift from Ibadan in 2026 is expected to significantly enhance the operational capacity and status of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, while also easing the burden on pilgrims from Oyo and neighboring states.
