First batch of Hajj pilgrims arrive in Lagos

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The first batch of Lagos State pilgrims who participated in the just-concluded 2025 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia returned home on Tuesday.

The 423 pilgrims, comprising 179 males and 244 females, touched down in Lagos aboard a Flynas Airbus flight XY9014.

Speaking after their arrival, the Chairman of the Working Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Jebe Abdullahi, expressed satisfaction with the 2025 Hajj operations, which he described as “fantastic and hitch-free.”

He appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy Dr. Kadiri Hamzat, as well as the Amirul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Layode, and other officials for their support in ensuring the success of the operations.

He said, “We are indeed grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, who have continued to provide support for the Hajj operations in Lagos State. The efforts of the state government were also complemented by numerous initiatives of the Saudi Arabian authorities, such as the Hajj Pass, which made pilgrims eligible to perform the exercise and helped keep the city of Makkah free from intrusion. Lagos also secured one of the best tents and accommodations for its pilgrims, which enabled them to exhibit good conduct during their stay in the Kingdom. I want to encourage them to reflect on the lessons of the spiritual exercise and allow them to manifest in their lives, businesses, and other endeavours.”

While assessing the exercise, Dr. Jebe explained that it had raised the bar for the operationalisation of the Hajj process in Lagos State and Nigeria, adding that continued collaboration with NAHCON and other stakeholders would further improve performance in the coming years.

He also assured that the remaining pilgrims would be airlifted back to Nigeria in accordance with NAHCON’s schedule, stressing that all necessary measures had been put in place for a smooth return journey.