388 Lagos pilgrims land in Madinah as Hajj 2025 kicks off
By Sodiq Adelakun
The 2025 Hajj operations have officially commenced for Lagos State as the first batch of 388 intending pilgrims safely arrived in the holy city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
The group was airlifted late Monday evening aboard a Flynas aircraft from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, marking the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage under the coordination of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Upon arrival, the pilgrims were settled into their hotel accommodation in Madinah, where they are expected to begin preparations for the sacred rites in the days ahead.
A high-level delegation led by the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, was present at the airport to see the pilgrims off. He was accompanied by NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, as well as members of the Lagos State Hajj Central Working Committee.
Speaking to journalists prior to departure, Layode urged the pilgrims to remain focused on the spiritual purpose of the journey and to observe all religious rites in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“This journey is a sacred trust. You must centre your attention on worship and behave as worthy representatives of Lagos State,” he said.
Layode also restated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the welfare and comfort of all pilgrims, noting the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
“We conducted free medical screenings at ten strategically selected locations across the state to assess the health conditions of all our intending pilgrims,” he added.
Prince Elegushi, who also addressed the gathering, congratulated the pilgrims for being among those chosen for this year’s Hajj. He gave assurances of NAHCON’s readiness to ensure a well-organised and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
“We are dedicated to making this year’s Hajj more seamless and meaningful than previous editions, working closely with state boards and other relevant stakeholders,” he said.
The Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, also spoke at the event, urging the pilgrims to conduct themselves with integrity and avoid any actions that could bring disrepute to the state or the nation.
“Please adhere strictly to all the laid-down guidelines and refrain from carrying any prohibited items. Discipline is not optional,” he cautioned.
Ajomagberin confirmed that the airlift of subsequent pilgrims would continue today, Tuesday, 13 May, as planned by NAHCON. A temporary pause is scheduled for Wednesday, 14 May, with flights set to resume on Thursday, 15 May. The final group of Lagos pilgrims is expected to depart on Saturday, 17 May 2025.
