(Ogun Pilgrims Return. Photo by Daily Post)
The first group of 345 Ogun State pilgrims has returned safely to Nigeria after completing the 2026 Hajj in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The batch, made up of 151 males and 194 females, landed at the Gateway International Airport in Ilisan-Iperu Remo at 8:41 p.m. on Thursday aboard a Flynas A330 aircraft on a direct flight from Saudi Arabia a notable moment for the airport, which received its first direct international flight from the Kingdom on the occasion.
They were welcomed by senior state officials, including Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi and Head of Service Olarenwaju Iskeel Saka, representing Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Speaking at the reception, the governor through his representative described the smooth conduct of the entire Hajj operation as a remarkable achievement, noting that many had doubted it would go as seamlessly as it did.
Governor Abiodun commended the pilgrims for their good conduct throughout their stay in the Holy Land, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Ogun State.
He urged them to return home as transformed individuals, reflecting the spiritual experience through greater humility, lawfulness, and exemplary behavior in their communities.
He also pledged that the state government would continue improving its support for pilgrims in future years.
The governor’s Islamic Affairs Consultant and leader of the pilgrim batch, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal Sugar, praised Governor Abiodun for his attentiveness, revealing that the governor personally called to check on pilgrims while they were in Mecca.
Returning pilgrims Alhaji Ayomide Adetunji and Alhaja Tawa Balogun also expressed gratitude to God and to the state government for the welfare support provided throughout the journey, with many describing the direct airport arrival as both convenient and historic.