The Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board says necessary machinery has been put in place to airlift 270 intending pilgrims today.

The board’s Chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugberu, disclosed that the 270 pilgrims constituted the first batch out of the 1,519 persons billed to perform the Hajj in the state.

As at press time, hajj materials were being given to pilgrims just as sources added some of the pilgrims had arrived Lagos yesterday ahead of their scheduled flight today.

The chairman also said that all the pilgrims had been tested for the Ebola Virus Disease and proven negative.

He added that each of the pilgrims would be given hand gloves and facemask as protective kits.

Meanwhile, the first batch of 502 pilgrims from Kano State departed for this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia on board a Max Air Boeing 747 aircraft from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport early Wednesday.

The first batch of intending pilgrims were from Ajingi, Albasu, Gaya, Takai, Warawa and Wudil local government areas of the state.

A total of 5, 708 pilgrims from the state are expected to perform this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia