The first group of 345 Ogun State pilgrims has returned safely to Nigeria after completing the 2026 Hajj exercise in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The pilgrims, comprising 151 males and 194 females, arrived at the Gateway International Airport in Ilisan-Iperu Remo at about 8:41 p.m. on Thursday aboard a Flynas A330 aircraft, flying directly from Saudi Arabia. The landing marked a historic moment for the airport, which received its first direct international flight from the Kingdom on the occasion.
They were received by top state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, and the Head of Service, Olarenwaju Iskeel Saka, who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Speaking through his representatives, Governor Abiodun described the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage exercise as a significant achievement, noting that there had been initial doubts about its seamless execution.
He commended the pilgrims for their conduct throughout their stay in the Holy Land, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Ogun State, and urged them to translate their spiritual experience into lives marked by humility, discipline, and exemplary conduct in their communities.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving support for pilgrims in subsequent years.
The state’s Islamic Affairs Consultant and leader of the pilgrim delegation, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal Sugar, praised the governor for his consistent support, revealing that he personally reached out to pilgrims while they were in Mecca to check on their welfare.
Some returning pilgrims, including Alhaji Ayomide Adetunji and Alhaja Tawa Balogun, expressed gratitude to both God and the state government, describing the direct return flight experience as historic and highly convenient.