By Lukman Olabiyi
The first batch of Lagos State pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has returned.
A total of 423 pilgrims, comprising 179 males and 244 females, landed in Lagos on Tuesday aboard a Flynas Airbus, flight number XY9014.
Welcoming the returnees, Chairman of the Hajj Working Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Jebe Abdullahi, described the 2025 Hajj operations as fantastic and hitch-free.
Dr. Abdullahi commended the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Kadiri Hamzat and the Amirul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Layode.
He attributed the success of the pilgrimage operations to their support and the collaborative efforts of officials involved in the coordination process.
“We are indeed grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy for their unwavering support for Hajj operations in Lagos State. Their efforts were complemented by the Saudi authorities’ initiatives such as the Hajj Pass, which facilitated a smooth pilgrimage and enhanced security in Makkah.”
Dr. Abdullahi noted that Lagos pilgrims benefited from some of the best accommodation and tent facilities during their stay in Saudi Arabia, which, he said, contributed to the orderly and commendable conduct of the pilgrims throughout the exercise.
Dr. Abdullahi encouraged the returning pilgrims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Hajj and allow them to positively impact their lives, businesses, and daily interactions.
Assessing the overall performance of the 2025 Hajj exercise, Dr. Abdullahi said it has significantly raised the operational standards of Hajj processes in Lagos and Nigeria at large.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the state to continued collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other stakeholders to improve future pilgrimages.
He also assured that the remaining Lagos pilgrims would be airlifted back to Nigeria according to NAHCON’s official schedule, adding that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure their safe return.