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Lagos State Government has confirmed the departure of the first batch of 388 intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, the pilgrims departed the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at exactly 5:42 p.m. on Monday.
They traveled aboard a FLYNAS Airbus A330-300, flight number XY8410. The group comprised 167 male and 221 female pilgrims.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, alongside other senior government officials, was present at the airport to see the pilgrims off. In his address, Layode urged the pilgrims to remain spiritually focused and ensure full compliance with the rites of Hajj as prescribed by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He emphasized Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the welfare of all pilgrims, citing recent support initiatives, including extensive medical screenings conducted across 10 locations within the state to ensure their readiness for the pilgrimage.
Layode further advised the pilgrims to conduct themselves with discipline and integrity, urging them to be exemplary representatives of both Lagos State and Nigeria by adhering strictly to the laws and customs of Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, also addressed the group, encouraging them to avoid any conduct that could bring disrepute to the state or country.
Ajomagberin disclosed that the airlift of subsequent batches of pilgrims would continue as scheduled by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), with flights resuming on Tuesday.
He added that operations would pause on Wednesday and resume from Thursday through Saturday, with Saturday’s flight marking the conclusion of the Lagos airlift exercise.
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