Lagos flags off 2025 Hajj with 388 pilgrims on inaugural flight
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Lagos State has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj airlift with 388 intending pilgrims departing for Saudi Arabia aboard a Flynas Airbus A330-300. The flight, which took off from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at exactly 5:42 p.m. on Monday, May 12, carried 167 males and 221 females.
Present at the airport to bid farewell were the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Ibrahim Layode; NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi; and members of the 2025 Hajj Central Working Committee.
Speaking at the tarmac, Layode urged pilgrims to focus on their spiritual goals and perform all rites as prescribed by the Holy Prophet. He noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration had provided welfare support, including free medical screenings across 10 locations in Lagos, to ensure the pilgrims’ fitness for the journey.
He further charged them to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria by observing Saudi laws and conducting themselves respectfully throughout their stay in the Kingdom.
Prince Elegushi congratulated the pilgrims, emphasizing that being selected for Hajj is a divine privilege. He assured that NAHCON is working closely with state boards and other stakeholders to ensure this year’s pilgrimage is more successful than previous editions.
Board Secretary, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, also cautioned pilgrims to avoid any behavior that could tarnish the image of Lagos or Nigeria. He reminded them to strictly adhere to regulations and avoid prohibited items.
Ajomagberin confirmed that the airlift would continue on Tuesday, May 13, with a break on Wednesday, May 14. The final batch of pilgrims is scheduled to depart on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
