The first batch of 345 Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has arrived safely in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, marking a milestone for the state’s aviation sector.
The pilgrims departed Gateway International Airport, Iperu Remo, at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday and landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport around 4:15 a.m. Nigerian Time, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lekan Adeniran.
The group comprised 151 males and 194 females, alongside officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and on arrival, Saudi Hajj authorities received them before they proceeded to their accommodation in Medina.
The inaugural flight also marked the commencement of 2026 Hajj operations from the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport, which was inaugurated on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the journey as a significant achievement, noting that, it represents the first non-stop international flight from Iperu and underscores the state’s commitment to infrastructure and economic growth.
He said the development positions Ogun State as a hub for global connectivity and commerce, while appreciating the Federal Government and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for their support.
The governor also urged pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by obeying Saudi laws and maintaining discipline throughout their stay.
NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, represented by Commissioner for Hajj Operations, Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new airport would ease travel logistics and reduce stress for pilgrims.
Other dignitaries, including the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, praised the project for eliminating the need to travel to Lagos for international departures.
The Amir Hajj 2026, Shamsideen Apelogun, described the pilgrimage as a spiritual privilege, urging participants to uphold the image of Ogun State and Nigeria.
Pilgrims also expressed excitement at being part of the historic first international departure from the airport.
Gazettengr/Adetutu Adetule
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