Hajj 2026: Ekiti Pilgrims pray for peace, success of Oyebanji’s administration. By Abibu Shehu Ibrahim
Hajj 2026: Ekiti Pilgrims pray for peace, success of Oyebanji’s administration
Ahead of the commencement of the 2026 Hajj rites, pilgrims from Ekiti State have successfully concluded their Umrah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with special prayers planned for Nigeria and the state government.
The Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Salman Adedipe, disclosed this while confirming that all pilgrims from the state safely concluded the lesser pilgrimage and are set for the main Hajj activities.
Adedipe said a total of 97 pilgrims and officials from Ekiti State are participating in this year’s Hajj exercise.
Speaking from Mecca, he explained that the delegation arrived in the holy city about eight or nine days ago after departing Medina, where the pilgrims had entered the state of Ihram before proceeding to Mecca for the Umrah rites.
According to him, upon arrival in Mecca, the pilgrims settled into their hotel before proceeding to the Kaaba to perform the Umrah rituals, including the seven rounds of Tawaf around the Kaaba and the Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
“After completing the Tawaf and the movement between Safa and Marwah seven times, we observed prayers at Maqam Ibrahim and later shaved our hair in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad,” he said.
Adedipe noted that the successful completion of the rites marked the end of the Umrah phase, adding that the pilgrims are now awaiting the commencement of the core Hajj rituals.
He explained that the next phase of the pilgrimage would begin on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah, when pilgrims would again enter the state of Ihram before proceeding to Mina.
“We will move to Mina, where we are expected to stay for a day before proceeding to Arafat for the major Hajj rites,” he stated.
The chairman added that special prayers would be offered at Arafat for Nigeria, Ekiti State and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whom he commended for supporting the Muslim community in the state.
“We will be praying for the nation, for Ekiti State, and especially for our governor because of what he has done for the Muslim community.
“We will also pray for the success of his administration and future political aspirations,” Adedipe said.
He disclosed that despite the intense heat currently being experienced in Mecca, the Ekiti pilgrims have remained in good health and have complied with safety directives issued by officials.
“The weather is extremely hot, and we have advised our pilgrims to remain indoors during the daytime.
“If they want to perform Tawaf, they should do so after Maghrib or Isha prayers,” he said.
Adedipe further revealed that no major incident or health challenge had been recorded among the pilgrims, describing their conduct as peaceful and cooperative.
“So far, we have no record of any serious problem.
“Our pilgrims have been cooperating with officials, and we are carrying out all activities accordingly with the assistance of experienced guides,” he added.
He confirmed that preparations were ongoing for the movement of pilgrims to Mina and subsequently to Arafat as the main Hajj rites begin.
