The first group of Lagos State pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj has arrived safely in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, after departing from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday evening.
A total of 388 Intending pilgrims were airlifted by Saudi-based airline Flynas on its inaugural flight for the year’s pilgrimage from Lagos to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims have since settled into their hotel accommodations in Madinah, where they will begin preparations for the Hajj rites.
Dignitaries present at the airport to bid farewell to the pilgrims included the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode; the National Commissioner for Operations at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi; and members of the Hajj Central Working Committee.
Speaking to journalists on the tarmac, Hon. Layode urged the pilgrims to focus on the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage and perform all rites as prescribed by the Holy Prophet.
He reiterated the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat to ensuring the comfort and welfare of Lagos pilgrims. He noted that a series of free medical screenings had been conducted at ten different locations across the state to guarantee the fitness of all participants.
The Amir-ul-Hajj also advised the pilgrims to be exemplary ambassadors of Lagos State by adhering to Saudi Arabia’s laws and maintaining decorum throughout their stay.
In his remarks, NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Prince Elegushi, congratulated the pilgrims on being among those chosen by Allah for the sacred journey. He assured that NAHCON, in collaboration with state pilgrims’ boards and other stakeholders, is working to ensure that the 2025 pilgrimage is even more successful than that of previous years.
Also addressing the pilgrims, the Board Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, cautioned against any conduct that could tarnish the image of Lagos State or Nigeria. He urged pilgrims to comply with all regulations and avoid bringing prohibited items into the Kingdom.
Mr. Ajomagberin further stated that airlifting of pilgrims would continue on Tuesday, May 13, as scheduled by NAHCON. There will be a break in flights on Wednesday, May 14, with operations resuming on Thursday, May 15. The final batch of Lagos pilgrims is expected to depart on Saturday, May 17, 2025.