Oyo State is set to break new ground as its pilgrims heading for the 2026 Hajj will take off directly from the newly upgraded Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, marking a major milestone in the state’s aviation and religious travel history.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Hashim Atere, announced the development in a statement issued by Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, on Wednesday in Ibadan.
Atere said all assessments carried out by federal aviation authorities have confirmed the airport fully ready for large-capacity Hajj operations.
“That is why the wide-bodied aircraft that conveyed President Bola Tinubu to Ibadan for the coronation of the Olubadan was able to land at the airport in September,” he said. “The aircraft also took off seamlessly. Everything is set for our pilgrims to take off from the airport for the 2026 Hajj. There should not be any hindrance.”
He disclosed that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development visited the airport twice before the President’s arrival and expressed satisfaction with the upgrades implemented by the state government.
Atere praised Governor Makinde for what he described as unwavering support to the board, support he said made possible the accolades and national recognition Oyo continues to receive for its pilgrimage administration.
With preparations in full swing, he assured intending pilgrims that the 2026 Hajj would surpass previous outings in organisation, comfort, and service delivery. He, however, issued a reminder to all registered participants to meet their payment obligations, stressing that the December 5 deadline would not be extended.
The 2026 Hajj take-off from Ibadan is expected to end years of long-distance travel to Lagos or Ilorin for airlift, offering thousands of Oyo faithful a more convenient and dignified beginning to their spiritual journey.
