Speaking during a visit to the leadership of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and an inspection of facilities at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, on Tuesday, the committee Chairman, Mr Abimbola Adekanmbi, said the inspection was necessary to identify areas requiring urgent attention.

He stressed the need to put in place essential facilities at both the Hajj Camp and the airport ahead of the visit by the assessment team from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory agencies, noting that this would facilitate prompt approval.

Adekanmbi also pledged to personally support the renovation of critical facilities pending the governor’s approval and the release of funds.

He called for synergy among all relevant stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the plan for intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to depart from the Alakia Airport.

The Chairman of the committee further urged the pilgrim ’ Welfare Board to submit its proposal promptly to enable renovation work at the Hajj Camp to commence without delay.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Wahab Olamide Atere, acknowledged the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde and the committee on the ongoing airport upgrade, saying that the pace of work at the airport was “quite commendable.”

Sheikh Atere revealed that the Board had made significant progress, which he attributed to the continued support received from the Seyi Makinde administration.

Highlighting the achievements of the Board and its challenges, Sheikh Atere expressed appreciation to Adekanmbi and his committee for the gesture extended to the Board.