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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to begin early preparations for the 2027 Hajj, pledging continued government support to improve the exercise.
Okpebholo gave the directive when the leadership of the board presented its report on the 2026 Hajj at Government House, Benin City.
The governor also commended the board over an award received by Edo State from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its performance during the 2026 pilgrimage.
“I congratulate you for the award. I think you have done very well because I followed up everything,” Okpebholo said.
He urged the board to build on the performance in preparations for the next pilgrimage.
“I urge you to begin early with the preparation for the 2027 Hajj exercise. You will have my support in everything that is required to improve on it. I know you will do better,” he said.
The report was presented by a delegation led by the Amirul Hajj and Oghieaga of Ivbie, Mallam Ali D. Sulayman. Sulayman said Edo received the NAHCON award in recognition of its “patience, perseverance and outstanding coordination” during the exercise.
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He attributed the successful pilgrimage partly to logistics and other support provided by the state government.
“We had a good Hajj. Edo State won an award from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in recognition of its patience, perseverance and outstanding coordination,” he said.
Sulayman said the government improved transportation arrangements for pilgrims during the 2026 exercise by providing vehicles to convey them from Lagos to their respective senatorial districts.
“Last year, you provided vehicles to convey the pilgrims from Benin to Lagos and Lagos to Benin. But this year, you provided vehicles to convey them to the various senatorial districts. This is outside the other logistics support,” he said.
The Amirul Hajj said proper coordination among stakeholders remained essential to improving Hajj operations and avoiding logistical problems.
He also commended improvements in accommodation, feeding and transportation for pilgrims, describing the government’s support as evidence of inclusiveness.
Sulayman urged the Muslim community and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and the board as preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage begin.
