ARAFAT 2026 VIDEO; Aiyedatiwa’s support made 2026 Hajj smooth, successful — Ondo Amirul Hajj … highlights lessons of holy pilgrimage By Lai Gidado
ARAFAT 2026 VIDEO: Aiyedatiwa’s support made 2026 Hajj smooth, successful — Ondo Amirul Hajj
… highlights lessons of holy pilgrimage
By Lai Gidado
As Ondo State pilgrims successfully completed the 2026 Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia, the Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Engr. Dikrullahi Adam Shandy, has lauded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his steadfast support, which he said contributed immensely to the success of the pilgrimage.
Alhaji Shandy, a former Chairman of the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, said the governor’s backing and prompt response to the needs of the state contingent contributed significantly to the smooth coordination and successful execution of the pilgrimage in Makkah and Madinah.
Speaking after the completion of the Hajj rites, the Amirul Hajj described the 2026 pilgrimage as largely successful, despite the unfortunate loss of a pilgrim in a road accident during the exercise.
According to him, the Hajj operation required collective effort and teamwork, prompting him to assume additional responsibilities beyond his primary role as Amirul Hajj.
“I came here as Amirul Hajj and also assisted the Board Secretary in administrative matters.
“Hajj operations involve enormous responsibilities that go beyond the efforts of one person,” he said.
Engr. Shandy explained that the Ondo State contingent arrived in the holy city of Madinah in two batches, where pilgrims undertook Ziyarah visits to important historical and religious sites, including the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and other notable prayer locations.
They subsequently proceeded to Miqat to assume the Ihram garments before entering Makkah to perform Umrah and the main Hajj rites.
He noted that the pilgrims successfully completed all major rituals, including Tawaf and Sa’i, after participating in the five-day Hajj programme in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and other sacred locations.
Despite the overall success of the exercise, Alhaji Shandy expressed deep sadness over the death of a member of the Ondo State contingent who sustained fatal injuries in a road accident involving a bus conveying pilgrims.
He described the incident as the most regrettable aspect of the pilgrimage, noting that the accident affected several pilgrims from different contingents.
Reflecting on the spiritual significance of Hajj, the Amirul Hajj said the pilgrimage teaches valuable lessons in unity, patience, sacrifice and devotion to Allah.
According to him, Hajj brings together Muslims from different races, cultures and countries, demonstrating the equality of mankind before God.
He added that the communal lifestyle experienced during the pilgrimage, particularly in Mina, helps pilgrims cultivate patience, tolerance and a stronger sense of brotherhood.
“Hajj teaches us that humanity is one family. It also reminds us that man was created to worship Allah.
Anyone who performs Hajj and returns home should be a better and transformed person,” he said.
Shandy disclosed that the first batch of Ondo State pilgrims is expected to return to Nigeria on June 8, while the second batch is tentatively scheduled to arrive on June 11 or 12, subject to confirmation by Saudi authorities.
He expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government, Hajj officials and pilgrims for their cooperation throughout the exercise and prayed for the continued success of future Hajj operations.
Suggested Headlines:
2026 Hajj: Ondo Amirul Hajj Commends Aiyedatiwa, Says Pilgrimage Was Successful
Aiyedatiwa’s Support Key to Successful 2026 Hajj Operation — Ondo Amirul Hajj
Hajj Teaches Unity, Patience and Sacrifice, Says the Ondo Amirul Hajj.
