The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has confirmed the arrival of 343 intending pilgrims in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
In a statement issued by the board’s Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal, the pilgrims consisted of 169 men and 174 women.
Lawal disclosed that the inaugural flight departed from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday.
He noted that the take-off represented another important step in Lagos State’s determination to provide a seamless and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage experience for intending pilgrims.
According to him, the pilgrims were transported aboard Flynas Airline Airbus XY8504.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr Ibrahim Layode, assured pilgrims and their relatives that their welfare would remain a major priority throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Layode stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved all necessary arrangements to guarantee adequate support for the pilgrims both in Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“We encourage all pilgrims to remain law-abiding, prayerful, and be worthy Ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria throughout their stay in the Holy Land”.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Anofiu Elegushi, lauded the orderly conduct and smooth coordination of the airlifting process.
Elegushi also commended the intending pilgrims for displaying patience and discipline during the exercise.
“This successful airlift is a reflection of the tireless efforts put in place by the state government and NAHCON.
“We are delighted that the pilgrims are departing in an atmosphere of peace, orderliness, and proper coordination. We pray for a successful Hajj exercise and safe return for everyone,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the Hajj Ad hoc Committee, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, described the commencement of the airlift as a positive development.
Jebe said the successful departure of the first batch highlighted the state government’s commitment to excellence in organising Hajj operations.
He appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, officials of NAHCON and other stakeholders for their contributions to the exercise.
He also commended officials of Flynas Airline, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, security agencies, and the intending pilgrims for their cooperation.
Some of the pilgrims who spoke with journalists expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation and coordination by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
They stated that the smooth departure of the first batch reflected the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensuring quality welfare services, safety and comfort throughout the Hajj exercise.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Lagos State has 1,600 intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The board added that the airlifting operation would continue on Sunday with the departure of the second and third batches.
It further stated that the fourth batch is expected to leave on Tuesday, while the final batch will depart on Wednesday, May 13.Hajj: 343 Lagos pilgrims arrive in Saudi
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has confirmed the arrival of 343 intending pilgrims in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
In a statement issued by the board’s Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal, the pilgrims consisted of 169 men and 174 women.
Lawal disclosed that the inaugural flight departed from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday.
He noted that the take-off represented another important step in Lagos State’s determination to provide a seamless and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage experience for intending pilgrims.
According to him, the pilgrims were transported aboard Flynas Airline Airbus XY8504.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr Ibrahim Layode, assured pilgrims and their relatives that their welfare would remain a major priority throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Layode stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved all necessary arrangements to guarantee adequate support for the pilgrims both in Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“We encourage all pilgrims to remain law-abiding, prayerful, and be worthy Ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria throughout their stay in the Holy Land”.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Anofiu Elegushi, lauded the orderly conduct and smooth coordination of the airlifting process.
Elegushi also commended the intending pilgrims for displaying patience and discipline during the exercise.
“This successful airlift is a reflection of the tireless efforts put in place by the state government and NAHCON.
“We are delighted that the pilgrims are departing in an atmosphere of peace, orderliness, and proper coordination. We pray for a successful Hajj exercise and safe return for everyone,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the Hajj Ad hoc Committee, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, described the commencement of the airlift as a positive development.
Jebe said the successful departure of the first batch highlighted the state government’s commitment to excellence in organising Hajj operations.
He appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, officials of NAHCON and other stakeholders for their contributions to the exercise.
He also commended officials of Flynas Airline, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, security agencies, and the intending pilgrims for their cooperation.
Some of the pilgrims who spoke with journalists expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation and coordination by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
They stated that the smooth departure of the first batch reflected the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensuring quality welfare services, safety and comfort throughout the Hajj exercise.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Lagos State has 1,600 intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The board added that the airlifting operation would continue on Sunday with the departure of the second and third batches.
It further stated that the fourth batch is expected to leave on Tuesday, while the final batch will depart on Wednesday, May 13.Hajj: 343 Lagos pilgrims arrive in Saudi
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has confirmed the arrival of 343 intending pilgrims in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
In a statement issued by the board’s Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal, the pilgrims consisted of 169 men and 174 women.
Lawal disclosed that the inaugural flight departed from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday.
He noted that the take-off represented another important step in Lagos State’s determination to provide a seamless and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage experience for intending pilgrims.
According to him, the pilgrims were transported aboard Flynas Airline Airbus XY8504.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr Ibrahim Layode, assured pilgrims and their relatives that their welfare would remain a major priority throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Layode stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved all necessary arrangements to guarantee adequate support for the pilgrims both in Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“We encourage all pilgrims to remain law-abiding, prayerful, and be worthy Ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria throughout their stay in the Holy Land”.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Anofiu Elegushi, lauded the orderly conduct and smooth coordination of the airlifting process.
Elegushi also commended the intending pilgrims for displaying patience and discipline during the exercise.
“This successful airlift is a reflection of the tireless efforts put in place by the state government and NAHCON.
“We are delighted that the pilgrims are departing in an atmosphere of peace, orderliness, and proper coordination. We pray for a successful Hajj exercise and safe return for everyone,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the Hajj Ad hoc Committee, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, described the commencement of the airlift as a positive development.
Jebe said the successful departure of the first batch highlighted the state government’s commitment to excellence in organising Hajj operations.
He appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, officials of NAHCON and other stakeholders for their contributions to the exercise.
He also commended officials of Flynas Airline, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, security agencies, and the intending pilgrims for their cooperation.
Some of the pilgrims who spoke with journalists expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation and coordination by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
They stated that the smooth departure of the first batch reflected the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensuring quality welfare services, safety and comfort throughout the Hajj exercise.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Lagos State has 1,600 intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The board added that the airlifting operation would continue on Sunday with the departure of the second and third batches.
It further stated that the fourth batch is expected to leave on Tuesday, while the final batch will depart on Wednesday, May 13.
