Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has appointed the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa Goshi II, as the Ameerul-Hajj for the state’s contingent to the 2026 pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

According to the statement, the monarch will lead Kwara State’s delegation of Muslim pilgrims to the annual religious exercise.

As Ameerul-Hajj, Alhaji Goshi II is expected to oversee the welfare of pilgrims from the state and coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure their smooth participation in the pilgrimage.

The statement explained that the Ameerul-Hajj serves as the head of delegation and acts as a liaison between the pilgrims and both Nigerian and Saudi officials during Hajj operations.

It added that preliminary activities for the 2026 Hajj have commenced, marking the start of preparations for intending pilgrims across the state.

The main Hajj rites are scheduled for the last week of May 2026, corresponding to Dhul-Hijjah 1447AH in the Islamic calendar.