2025 Hajj: First batch of 423 Lagos pilgrims return home
Omeiza Bilal
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Islamic Matters and Chairman, Central Working Committee (CWC) for Y2025 Hajj exercise, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe has led other pilgrims on the return journey to Nigeria, after completing the Hajj rites in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The 423 pilgrims comprising of 179 males and 244 females were aboard a Flynas Airbus XY9014 which departed the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah on Tuesday, June 17 at 2.11pm Saudi Arabian time and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Tuesday, at 6.15pm Nigerian time.
Speaking before departure, Dr. Jebe expressed appreciation to Almighty Allah for His grace and protection over the pilgrims, especially during the five days spent at the Mashaer (Mina and Arafah) and the strenuous pebbles’ throwing exercise at the Jamarat. He stressed that it was the grace of God that enabled them to carry out all the rites without any serious issues.
Describing the pilgrims as good Ambassadors of the State, he commended their peaceful conduct and enjoined them to reflect on the lessons of the spiritual exercise by allowing its manifestation in their life, businesses and relationship with fellow human beings, going forward.
He also applauded Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for the supports extended to the CWC and the entire pilgrims which made the operation a huge success.
Prominent among other government functionaries aboard the flight are, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Home Affairs, Mr. Teslim Olusi; Chairman, Dawah and Sensitization sub-committee, Prof. AbdulKabir Paramole, amongst some members of the Central Working Committee (CWC).
Meanwhile, the Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, has said that the State is fully prepared for the home bound journey.
Ajomagberin, in a statement released by the Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal, emphasized that with the smooth take-off and arrival of the first batch, the entire pilgrims from the State shall be airlifted back-to-back in line with the scheduled of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). He expressed optimism that all the pilgrims would be completely airlifted back home before the week runs out.
While appealing to others yet to be airlifted to exercise patience and abide by the instructions given to them concerning their main luggage (32kg) and hand luggage (8kg), he stressed that pilgrims with excess luggage must take such to the private cargo operators and be ready to pay for their services. He also warned them not to hide Zam Zam water in their luggage, saying each pilgrim would be given a 5kg Zam Zam water on arrival at the airport in Lagos.
