Hajj 2026: Oyo Pilgrims Board Chairman Receives Award Of Excellence In Makkah

 

Hajj 2026: Oyo Pilgrims Board Chairman Receives Award Of Excellence In Makkah

The Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Mogaji Hashim Atere, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence by Mashariq Thabiyah (SANAH), the organization responsible for coordinating services for Nigerian pilgrims under the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

The award was presented to the chairman on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Makkah, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, effective coordination, excellent performance and dedication to the welfare of pilgrims from Oyo State during the Hajj operations.

According to officials of Mashariq Thabiyah (SANAH), the recognition was bestowed on Mogaji Atere for his exemplary commitment to ensuring smooth pilgrimage activities and for fostering cooperation between officials and pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise.

Speaking after receiving the award, the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board chairman expressed gratitude to the management of SANAH for the honour. He described the award as a motivation to continue rendering quality service and maintaining high standards in the administration of pilgrimage affairs.

"I am deeply honoured to receive this Award of Excellence from Mashariq Thabiyah (SANAH). I dedicate this recognition to the Government of Oyo State, under our amiable Governor Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare of our pilgrims. I also extend my sincere appreciation to members of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board whose dedication, teamwork and sacrifice have contributed immensely to the success of our operations. Most importantly, I share this award with all our pilgrims whose cooperation, discipline and understanding made our work easier. This recognition will inspire us to continue striving for excellence and to sustain the high standards that earned us this honour," Dr. Atere stated.

The Chairman further pledged to sustain the momentum of excellence, teamwork, and effective leadership that earned him the recognition. He also dedicated the award to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as members of the board and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the pilgrimage operations.

Kunle Adegoke (K-Rad) to Feature on Osun NUJ Guest Platform On Friday. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Senatorial Candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Kunle Adegoke, popularly known as K-Rad, is set to feature on the Osun Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Public Engagement Programme tagged “Guest Platform.” The programme will hold on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Olu Osungbohun Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, beginning at 10:00am. According to the Osun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, the Guest Platform is aimed at creating an avenue for meaningful interaction between public figures, political office seekers, journalists and members of the public on issues of governance and development. Aboderin noted that Mr. Adegoke is expected to speak extensively on his aspiration to represent Osun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, as well as his plans and vision for the people of the district if elected into the Red Chamber. He added that the programme would also provide an opportunity for discussions on national issues, democracy, governance and the role of responsible leadership in nation building. “The Osun NUJ Guest Platform remains a credible avenue for constructive engagement on governance, leadership and democratic development. As journalists, we believe the public deserves the opportunity to hear directly from political actors and aspiring leaders on their vision, policies and programmes,” Aboderin stated. Mr. Kunle Adegoke, a respected legal luminary and prominent APC chieftain in Osun State, is widely known in political circles as K-Rad.

 

Kunle Adegoke (K-Rad) To Feature On Osun NUJ Guest Platform On Friday.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Senatorial Candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Kunle Adegoke, popularly known as K-Rad, is set to feature on the Osun Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Public Engagement Programme tagged “Guest Platform.”

The programme will hold on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Olu Osungbohun Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, beginning at 10:00am.

According to the Osun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, the Guest Platform is aimed at creating an avenue for meaningful interaction between public figures, political office seekers, journalists and members of the public on issues of governance and development.

Aboderin noted that Mr. Adegoke is expected to speak extensively on his aspiration to represent Osun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, as well as his plans and vision for the people of the district if elected into the Red Chamber.

He added that the programme would also provide an opportunity for discussions on national issues, democracy, governance and the role of responsible leadership in nation building.

“The Osun NUJ Guest Platform remains a credible avenue for constructive engagement on governance, leadership and democratic development.

As journalists, we believe the public deserves the opportunity to hear directly from political actors and aspiring leaders on their vision, policies and programmes,” Aboderin stated.

Mr. Kunle Adegoke, a respected legal luminary and prominent APC chieftain in Osun State, is widely known in political circles as K-Rad.

Hajj 2026: NAHCON Hails Oyo Pilgrims, Says State Remains Pace Setter In Hajj Operations

 Hajj 2026: NAHCON Hails Oyo Pilgrims, Says State Remains Pace Setter In Hajj Operations

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Abba Yusuf, has commended the conduct and performance of Oyo State pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj, describing the state as a true pacesetter in Hajj administration and compliance with regulations.

Ambassador Yusuf, who was represented by the Commissioner for South West, Alhaji Tajudeen Abefe stated this on Thursday, May 28, during a visit to the Oyo State pilgrims’ camp in Mina, Saudi Arabia. He lauded the discipline, organization and commitment displayed by pilgrims from the state throughout the pilgrimage exercise.

The NAHCON chairman said Oyo State had consistently distinguished itself among states participating in Hajj operations, noting that its achievements in preparation, payment processes, airlift arrangements and adherence to guidelines had set a standard for others to follow.

“I specifically praise Oyo State for its excellent performance year after year. Oyo has been a leader in terms of preparation, payment, airlifting of pilgrims and strict compliance with the rules. This is worthy of emulation,”.

"I urged you all to sustain this exemplary conduct and continue observing all regulations until the completion of the Hajj exercise and the  final departure from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Maintaining discipline to the end is essential in preserving Nigeria’s positive image among the global Muslim community," he said.

As preparations for the return journey to Nigeria commence, Ambassador Yusuf advised pilgrims to ensure that their luggage complies with approved airline and airport regulations. He specifically reminded them that their baggage must not exceed the approved 54-kilogram limit to avoid delays or the removal of items by airport authorities during screening.

The NAHCON chairman also charged pilgrims to allow the spiritual lessons of Hajj to positively influence their character and daily lives after returning home. He urged them to demonstrate the values of patience, obedience, sacrifice and devotion learned during the pilgrimage, noting that these virtues should be reflected in their conduct and dealings with others.

Hajj 2026: Atere Commends Oyo Pilgrims On Discipline, Conduct In Mina, Arafat

 

Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Haseem Atere, has commended pilgrims from Oyo State for their exemplary conduct and dedication during the five-day Hajj rites held across Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mogaji Atere gave the commendation on Thursday, May 28, 2026, shortly after the Ishai prayer in Mina, ahead of the pilgrims’ return to Mecca to complete the concluding aspects of the spiritual exercise. He expressed satisfaction with the level of discipline, patience, and cooperation demonstrated by the pilgrims throughout the sacred rites.

According to him, " i want to commend all of you for distinguishing yourselves through peaceful disposition and strict adherence to the rules and guidelines laid down by both Saudi authorities and the welfare board. Your conduct reflected the values of Islam and projected a positive image of Oyo State and Nigeria at large. I call on you to maintain this throughout our stay in Saudi Arabia to prove that we're Pacesetters among all states from Nigeria", stated Dr. Atere

The Chairman also appreciated officials and support staff of the board for their commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety, and welfare of the pilgrims during the demanding Hajj activities. He urged the pilgrims to sustain their devotion and continue praying for peace, progress, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria.

Hefurther prayed for a safe and successful completion of the pilgrimage exercise for all Muslim faithful participating in this year’s Hajj. He reiterated the board’s commitment to providing quality welfare services and improving future pilgrimage operations for intending pilgrims from the state.

Hajj 2026: NAHCON Visits Oyo State Camp, Lauds Pilgrims’ Conduct

 

Hajj 2026: NAHCON Visits Oyo State Camp, Lauds Pilgrims’ Conduct

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Abba Yusuf, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj, noting that no Nigerian pilgrim was arrested for drug trafficking or any other form of misconduct during the exercise.

Ambassador Yusuf made the remark on Thursday, May 28, during a visit to the Oyo State pilgrims’ camp in Mina, Saudi Arabia. He was represented by the NAHCON Commissioner for the South-West Zone, Alhaji Tajudeen Abefe.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman commended Nigerian pilgrims for their strict adherence to Saudi Arabian laws and regulations throughout the pilgrimage and particularly praised pilgrims from Oyo State for what he described as their excellent conduct and exemplary performance.

While acknowledging some challenges encountered during the pilgrimage, including issues relating to welfare, accommodation and feeding, he appealed to pilgrims for understanding and assured them that efforts would be made to improve service delivery in future Hajj operations.

"We are happy that Nigeria is one of the best pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj as report from Saudi authorities have confirmed this. Despite increase in surveillance, particularly on Nigerian pilgrims, no one was arrested for drug trafficking or other misconduct as it's used to be. This is a signal that Nigerians are good people and confirmed efforts of State pilgrim Boards. I therefore enjoined us to keep it up", submitted the Chairman.

He also urged pilgrims to maintain their compliance with Saudi regulations until their departure from the holy land, noting that the Saudi authorities continue to closely monitor the activities and conduct of pilgrims from various countries.

The NAHCON chairman thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the successful conduct of the Hajj despite the increase in aviation fuel costs and other logistical challenges and called on pilgrims to continue praying for the Federal Government.

 In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mogaji Haseem Atere, appreciated NAHCON’s support to the state and assured the commission of the pilgrims’ continued compliance with all regulations.