Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disclosed why Muslim pilgrims from the state couldn’t be airlifted directly from Ibadan to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.
The governor shed light on the logistical challenges that hindered his vision for direct flight from Ibadan to Saudi Arabia emphasizing that, while his vision was to provide a seamless airlift for the pilgrims, practical constraints presented temporary obstacles.
The governor made this known yesterday at the farewell ceremony for intending 2024 Muslim pilgrims held at the exhibition ground of the BCOS, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The governor, who stated that improved airport infrastructures and provision of airport logistics have all been put in place by his administration as required by the Nigerian Airport Authority also cited passengers flight scheduling and documentations in Ibadan contrary to having flight stopover in Lagos as other key reasons for the inability to execute direct flights from Ibadan to Saudi Arabia.
Westernmirror.com.ng had earlier reported that over 1000 intending pilgrims from Oyo are billed to depart Nigeria on May 18 to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.
Explaining further, Governor Makinde reassured pilgrims and the public that despite the temporary setback in the full execution of his vision for pilgrims, the identified hiccups were already being addressed to ensure smooth and efficient pilgrimage from Ibadan directly to Saudi Arabia by next year.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims, both Christians and Muslims, pledging to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that airlifting of pilgrims from Ibadan directly to Saudi Arabia without any stopover begins by next year.
“The first time I came to Olodo, I said our pilgrims would be airlifted from Ibadan directly to Saudi Arabia. Yes! We’ve been at it and we’re trying, it’s been five years now, the authorities agreed to airlift you from Ibadan but pilgrims would have a stopover in Lagos for the processing of necessary documentation and I said that is not my vision.
“My vision is for you to complete your travel process here, you would take your flight from here and after taking off, Saudi Arabia is your destination.
” All the things that needed to be done are already being done. We were required to widen the entry road to the airport, we’ve done it, they required provision for plane fueling station inside the airport, we have done that, and we’re already on the only thing left to be done. And that is to extend our runway by another 600 meters, include ILS, and an additional terminal where air passengers can be processed.
“And the target is within the next 18 months. That also will be done.” Makinde said.