HAJJ 2025: DO NOT TARNISH OYO STATE’S IMAGE, FOLLOW RULES – MAKINDE URGES PILGRIMS

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged intending pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj to strictly adhere to all established rules and regulations.

Delivering his farewell message on Wednesday to the certified pilgrims from the state, the governor cautioned them against engaging in any behavior that could damage the reputation of their families or that of Oyo State.

He noted that the pilgrims would be airlifted directly from the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Alakia, Ibadan, and encouraged them to offer prayers for both Oyo State and the federal government while in the holy land.

Governor Makinde also reminded the pilgrims to act as worthy ambassadors of the state, adding that the ongoing upgrade of the airport to international standards is progressing steadily and is expected to have a significant positive impact on the state’s economy.

He said: “I went to the airport two days ago and I can tell you that it is a project God has already completed. The airport is now a reality. I am submitting a letter indicating that by the time we want to do next year’s Hajj, we have the capacity to take off from our airport here.

“We are not going to be doing a symbolic take-off, in which you would fly from here to Lagos and take off from that point. No. You will take-off from here till you get to your destination. We hoped for it, worked towards it and God has helped us to actualise the dream”.