Okpebholo Urges Early Preparations For Hajj Pilgrimage

According to Ireporter Online, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to commence early preparations for future Hajj operations, stressing the importance of timely planning to avoid last-minute challenges.

The governor made the appeal while receiving the report of the 2025 Hajj exercise from the leadership of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, led by the Amirul Hajj, HRH Mallam Ali Suleyman, the Oghieaga of Ivbie. He emphasized that Hajj, being a long-established religious obligation, requires deliberate, structured, and early coordination to ensure smooth participation and adequate government support.

Okpebholo expressed concern over delays in previous requests, noting that late submissions had limited the state’s ability to effectively intervene in preparations for the 2026 Hajj. He regretted the situation and urged stakeholders to ensure that planning for subsequent pilgrimages begins well in advance, ideally about nine months before departure, with special attention to the health and readiness of intending pilgrims.

“When problems are brought early, they can be solved early. But when something is happening tomorrow and you bring the request today, it becomes difficult to address,” the governor stated, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting the Muslim community in Edo State and promoting peaceful coexistence.

In his remarks, the Amirul Hajj, HRH Mallam Ali Suleyman, noted that government intervention had significantly improved pilgrims’ welfare, including better accommodation close to the Ka’aba, provision of Nigerian meals, and enhanced medical services. He disclosed that out of 351 intending pilgrims affected by Saudi payment deadlines for the 2026 Hajj, only 93 from Edo State participated in the exercise.

He also appreciated the governor for sponsoring 50 pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise, while highlighting challenges faced by the board, including inadequate power supply, poor internet connectivity, security concerns, and the lack of official logistics vehicles both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.