*First Batch Of Hajj Pilgrims Land In S/Arabia
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State government has introduced a daily environmental sanitation monitoring and enforcement system as part of efforts to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.
The government also announced, on Tuesday, that its first batch of 315 intending pilgrims had arrived in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
According to statements by Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, disclosed the latest environmental sanitation development during a press briefing held in the Ministry’s conference room to mark his first 100 days in office.
Aderinto explained that the Ministry had shifted from the traditional monthly environmental sanitation exercise to a more proactive system that encouraged residents to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness on a daily basis.
He noted that this approach was being reinforced by continuous monitoring and enforcement by environmental health officers.
“We are now enforcing daily environmental sanitation. Our officers are on the field every day to ensure compliance; cleanliness must become a daily responsibility,” he was quoted as saying.
To strengthen operations, the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry re-engaged 930 Environmental Vanguards, sweepers, and waste packers, while also procuring two brand new compactor trucks with the support of Governor Seyi Makinde to enhance waste evacuation.
Prince Oyelade, while speaking on the hajj pilgrims, said: “The first batch of 315 intending pilgrims from Oyo State have safely arrived in Medinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to commence the 2026 Hajj rites.”
He added that the pilgrims arrived at the holy city to begin the required religious activities as part of the hajj rites.
“They touched down at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday aboard an Air Peace flight at the Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina.
“The pilgrims, who were commended for their peaceful conduct from their point of departure at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, were led by board members, including Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf Olayiwola Biznillah, Alhaji Amusat Ayuba Agboola, Alhaji (Imam) AbdulMajeed Olanase, Alhaji Daud Bolaji Afolabi, Alhaji Abdulrahmon Bakare Agbotomokekere, and the Secretary of the Board, Mr. Kamorudeen Babatunde Fasasi,” the statement read.
Speaking ahead of their departure in Lagos, on behalf of the Chairman of the Board, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, the Secretary, Mr. Fasasi reassured the pilgrims and allayed their concerns about the journey and the tasks ahead.
He noted that necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling stay for the pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He further disclosed that those who paid above the stipulated amount for the 2026 hajj would soon receive their refunds any moment from now.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Makinde.
