Lagos – The first batch of 390 intending pilgrims from Lagos State have landed safely in Medinah, Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Thursday.
The pilgrims who left the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, onboard Flynas Airline plane at about 12.03 am were seen off by the immediate past Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi.
Elegushi while addressing them expressed the need for all the intending pilgrims to be of good conduct throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He stated that the pilgrims have been given adequate enlightenment on all that is expected of them as pilgrims in the Holy land.
He charged them to obey all the laws of Saudi Arabia and be good Ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
Speaking on why the inaugural flight came earlier than the scheduled June 4 date, he stated that the development was a plus for the state because the pilgrims would have enough time to perform all the hajj rites.
He commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the regulatory measures put in place for this year’s operation, urging NAHCON to try to be more flexible with the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards in its regulations.
On his part, the Board Chairman, Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar appealed to the intending pilgrims that are yet to be airlifted to be patient and show understanding with the board, saying that all necessary machinery have been put in place for a seamless operation.
He, however, urged them to realise that their airlifting depends on the Saudi Arabian Embassy’s early issuance of visas.
He also gave assurances that all of them would be airlifted to the Kingdom in time to fulfil their spiritual obligations.
The Board Secretary, Mr Saheed Onipede expressed delight at the success of the inaugural flight.
Onipede, who is having his first Hajj experience as the Board secretary, said that the logistics put in place for the inaugural flight were perfect and highly encouraging.
He expressed the hope that the whole airlifting exercise would be hitch-free and successful.
Onipede also expressed his appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their steadfastness and support for the operation.
He commended the immediate past Commissioner, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi; the Special Adviser on Islamic Matters, Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Lolade Aina; Chairman and members of the Board, staff and other stakeholders for their sacrifices and commitment to the success of the inaugural flight.
Apart from the officials of the Lagos State Government, the NAHCON team led by its Lagos Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Gafar Odunola Babatunde was also at the airport for the departure of the intending pilgrims.
(LSMO/vitalnewsngr.com)
