Ogun welcomes 345 returning Hajj pilgrims as flight lands at Gateway International Airport

The first group of 345 Ogun State pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj has returned safely to Nigeria after completing their spiritual duties in Mecca and Medina.

The pilgrims, consisting of 151 men and 194 women, arrived directly from Saudi Arabia at Gateway International Airport in Ilisan‑Iperu Remo aboard a Flynas A330. The aircraft touched down at 8:41 p.m. on Thursday.

This arrival marks a significant milestone for the airport, which received the pilgrims on a direct international flight from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the successful completion of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Top government officials, including Secretary to the State Government Mr. Tokunbo Talabi and Head of Service Mr. Olarenwaju Iskeel Saka, welcomed the pilgrims.

During a reception organised for the returnees at the airport, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, praised the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj operations as a remarkable achievement for the state.

“I feel very happy and elated because many people thought this day would not be possible, but we thank God Almighty for making it a reality. The departure was very smooth, the return has been smooth, and the handling of passengers has gone very well,” he said.

Governor Abiodun commended the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct during their stay in the Holy Land, noting that they served as worthy ambassadors of Ogun State. He assured them that the state government would continue to strengthen its support for pilgrims and improve the management of Hajj operations in future years.

The governor also urged the pilgrims to carry forward the spiritual lessons and values gained during the pilgrimage by demonstrating greater humility, obedience to the law, and exemplary conduct in their daily lives. “I want to charge them to let people see the signs of a transformed person in them—greater humility, obedience to the law, goodness, and conduct that reflect the experience of someone who has just returned from the Holy Land,” he stated.

Speaking with journalists shortly after arrival, the Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs and leader of the first batch of pilgrims, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal Sugar, expressed appreciation for Governor Abiodun’s commitment to the welfare of the pilgrims. “I want to appreciate our Governor for his efforts in Hajj affairs. He was constantly calling to check on us in Mecca. He is a good leader,” he said.

Two of the returning pilgrims, Alhaji Ayomide Adetunji and Alhaja Tawa Balogun, thanked God for a successful pilgrimage and safe return to Nigeria. They also expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for providing adequate welfare and support services throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia, describing the pilgrimage as a memorable and rewarding experience.

The pilgrims further expressed delight at arriving directly at Gateway International Airport, describing the experience as convenient and historic, while commending the state government for its efforts in making the journey seamless.