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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Hajj: Ogun pilgrims leader lauds direct flight from S’Arabia as 345 return

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Ogun State pilgrims leader lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for facilitating the first direct flight from Saudi Arabia to the state after the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • 345 pilgrims returned via an Airbus A330 operated by Flynas, landing at the Gateway International Airport in Iperu Remo.
  • The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria reportedly rated Ogun State pilgrims among the best-behaved contingents.

The leader of Ogun State's pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, Shamsideen Apelogun, praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for enabling a historic first: a direct return flight from Saudi Arabia to the state. This achievement marks a significant milestone for pilgrims from Ogun State.

This direct flight from Saudi Arabia to the Gateway International Airport is no doubt a remarkable achievement in the history of Ogun State, and we must continually be grateful for Gov Abiodun’s foresight and visionary leadership.

— Shamsideen ApelogunOgun State Amirul Hajj leader praising the governor for the direct return flight.

Apelogun's commendation came after the second batch of 345 pilgrims landed at the state-owned Gateway International Airport in Iperu Remo on Friday evening. The pilgrims traveled aboard an Airbus A330 operated by Flynas, arriving directly from Jeddah. This direct flight is seen as a remarkable accomplishment, reflecting Governor Abiodun's foresight and visionary leadership.

We are quite delighted to be among the first pilgrims to utilise this international airport for such a historic international flight.

— Shamsideen ApelogunExpressing satisfaction with the new airport facility for the Hajj return.

During their stay in Saudi Arabia, Governor Abiodun reportedly maintained consistent contact, inquiring about the pilgrims' welfare. Apelogun expressed gratitude for this fatherly support and unwavering commitment to the successful completion of the pilgrimage. He prayed for continued strength for the governor as he leads the state to greater heights.

We also want to thank our loving governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his fatherly support and unwavering commitment to the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

— Shamsideen ApelogunAcknowledging the governor's role in supporting the pilgrimage.

The Amirul Hajj also extended thanks to various individuals and bodies who contributed to the pilgrimage's success, including members of the Ogun State Muslim Welfare Board, consultants, Alfas, administrative staff, the medical team, and the information team. He specifically commended the state pilgrims for their exemplary conduct, discipline, and adherence to regulations in the Holy Land, noting that their behavior earned the state commendation from Hajj stakeholders and a high rating from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

We pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to strengthen our governor as he continues to take the state to greater heights.

— Shamsideen ApelogunA prayer for the governor's continued success.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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