FIC Report (Edo State) – In a significant development for Edo State’s Muslim Community, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has officially announced the appointment of the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 pilgrimage season. The governor underscored that this decision was not made lightly but was the result of careful deliberation, considering the recent reports on the 2025 Hajj exercise and the state’s participation in the Qur’anic recitation competition (Musaabaqah).
The Announcement was made on Thursday, April 9th, 2026, at the Government House during a formal meeting with a delegation led by HRH, Mallam Ali D. Suleyman, Oghieaga of Ivbies, who served as Edo State’s Amirul Hajj in 2025. The delegation also included representatives involved in the state’s recent participation in the Musaabaqah held in Maiduguri.
During the meeting, Governor Okpebholo explained that the selection of the Amirul Hajj was a deliberate and strategic decision, rooted in confidence in Mallam Suleyman’s leadership qualities and proven performance during the last pilgrimage season. The Governor expressed his satisfaction with the Amir’s leadership style, stating, “I said it would be good for you to be the Amirul Hajj; that is why I said you are the Amirul Hajj. I carefully selected you.”
He took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of early and proper planning in Hajj preparations, citing delays and late requests as significant challenges that hinder efficient arrangements. “Hajj is not a new thing; it is something we grew up to meet. If we know it must happen, then we must plan ahead,” the governor remarked. He lamented that late submissions often lead to logistical issues and reduced participation, which was evident in the current year, where only 93 pilgrims could be accommodated out of over 351 intending pilgrims due to Saudi Arabia’s strict payment deadlines.
Governor Okpebholo urged Stakeholders and Community Leaders to adopt proactive planning measures, including timely Health Assessments and financial arrangements, to ensure smoother Hajj operations in subsequent years. He also reaffirmed the state Government’s ’s commitment to supporting the Muslim Community’s ’s religious activities and fostering peaceful coexistence. “I assure you we will continue to support the Muslim Community in Edo State and continue to live together peacefully,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Governor announced plans to explore the possibility of Edo State being designated as a departure hub for pilgrims from the South-South region, a move that could significantly boost the state’s economic activities and status as a key logistical center for religious travel.
The Amirul Hajj, Mallam Suleyman, provided a comprehensive briefing on Edo State’s 2025 Hajj performance and the State’s ’s role in the National Musaabaqah held in Maiduguri. He praised the State’s ’s Leadership for support, which contributed to what he described as one of the most successful Hajj outings for Edo to date. He highlighted improvements such as better accommodation near the Ka’aba, provision of Nigerian cuisine, and enhanced medical services, which garnered commendations from officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and pilgrims from various regions.
On the Musaabaqah, Suleyman noted that Edo’s delegation participated with distinction, representing the State creditably in the National Qur’anic Competition.
However, the Amirul Hajj also acknowledged challenges ahead of the 2026 exercise. He pointed out that the Saudi Authorities’ strict payment deadlines affected over 351 intending pilgrims, leaving only 93 able to participate this year. While expressing gratitude for the Governor’s ’s sponsorship of 50 Pilgrims, he noted that logistical issues such as inadequate electricity, poor Internet connectivity, security concerns, and the lack of official vehicles pose operational hurdles both within Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia.
Despite these challenges, Suleyman expressed optimism that with improved planning, continued government support, and strategic reforms, Edo State has the potential to become a major departure point for pilgrims from the South-South and South-East regions, further elevating its status in regional pilgrimage logistics.
The meeting was attended by several notable dignitaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon Yakubu Musa; Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh; Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir; and Acting Chairman of Edo State Musaabaqah, Barr Hamza Umar.
This development marks a significant step forward in Edo State’s religious and Socio-economic landscape, with a clear emphasis on strategic planning, community support, and regional cooperation for future Pilgrimage activities.
By Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO, FIC Benin
April 10th, 2026
