The Edo Pilgrim Welfare Board has announced that 95 intending pilgrims from Edo State are scheduled to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage on May 18th.
Alhaji Muhammadkabir Eranga, the Executive Secretary of the board, confirmed this information in an interview with newsmen in Benin City on Thursday. He assured the public that all necessary arrangements have been finalized to ensure a seamless and successful Hajj experience for the pilgrims.
“We have informed the intending pilgrims that camping will commence on May 15th in Benin City. Following this, they will depart for Lagos on May 17th, before their onward journey to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj exercise,” stated Alhaji Eranga.
The Executive Secretary further elaborated on the preparations made by the board, stating that accommodation, catering services, and transportation arrangements have all been secured for the pilgrims.
“We are conducting the final screening today for all intending pilgrims across the state. This is to ensure that everything is in order before their departure for the pilgrimage,” he added.
Alhaji Eranga also confirmed that visas have been secured for all 95 pilgrims undertaking the Hajj this year. He clarified that the board received 351 slots from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), but only 95 individuals were able to complete their payments before the stipulated deadline.
He noted that approximately 100 individuals who made payments after the deadline, in the belief that the application process would be reopened, will unfortunately miss this year’s pilgrimage. The board has advised those who made late payments to either request a refund or leave the funds with the board to be prioritized for the next year’s Hajj.
