2026 Hajj: Second Batch of Ogun Pilgrims Returns Home

The second batch of Ogun State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage arrived safely at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, on Friday at exactly 5:12 p.m. Nigerian time.

The group of 345 pilgrims was conveyed aboard a Flynas Airbus A330, arriving directly from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Speaking upon arrival, the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 pilgrimage, Alhaji Prince Shamsideen Adebayo Apelogun, described the direct transportation from Saudi Arabia to the Gateway International Airport as a remarkable achievement in the history of Ogun State.

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He expressed delight at being among the first pilgrims to utilise the airport for an international flight.

Apelogun also thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support and commitment to the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

According to him, the governor remained actively involved throughout the pilgrims’ stay in Medina and Makkah, consistently reaching out to inquire about their welfare and ensure they were adequately cared for.

He further expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the pilgrimage, particularly the Ogun State Government, members of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, its Chairman, Sheikh Olohungbebe, the Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Lawal Isikil Sugar, various Islamic clerics, administrative staff, the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo, and his team, the medical team led by Dr. Oloko, the information team led by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Waheed Adesina, as well as all others who played significant roles in the exercise.

Describing it as a distinct privilege and honour, he said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve Ogun State alongside such dedicated individuals on the sacred journey.

Apelogun also commended the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct in the Holy Land, noting that their discipline and strict adherence to regulations earned Ogun State commendation among Hajj stakeholders.

He disclosed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria rated Ogun State pilgrims among the best-behaved contingents during the 2026 pilgrimage.

He urged the returning pilgrims to sustain the values of patience, discipline, and devotion imbibed during the pilgrimage. He also expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting them a safe and successful Hajj and commended the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the successes recorded throughout the exercise.

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