By Iyabo Adebisi

As preparations intensify for 2026 Hajj exercise, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has called on intending pilgrims to use the holy trip to pray for God’s guidance in choosing right leaders in the 2027 general elections. 

He gave the charge during farewell ceremony for the Oyo State Hajj 2026 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, held at Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan. 

The Governor, who said the continuous progress of the state should be everyone’s paramount concern, urged the intending pilgrims to fervently pray for the state and for the right leader who would continue the good work, regardless of religious affiliation. 

He emphasized on the state’s long history of religious harmony, inter-religious tolerance and cooperation, noting that, no one could use religion matter to cause divisions in Oyo state.

In his goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal, emphasized that the Hajj was a solemn exercise that required discipline and devotion, therefore charged them to remain focused on spiritual purpose of the rite. 

Earlier, Chairman Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Sheik Wahab Atere, highlighted present administration’s efforts on facilities at the camp, travel processes and finalized logistics. 

He noted that, first batch of the total number of 1,036 intending pilgrims from the state would be airlifted from May 3rd, 2026. 

Edited by Taiwo Akinola

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