Lagos State Government has airlifted about 3,655 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the year 2023 holy pilgrimage exercise.
The pilgrims were airlifted in batches from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, aboard a Flynas airline with eleven flights taken them through the journey on different days.
The State this year has about 2,023 female pilgrims (55.3 per cent) while male counterparts are about 1,632 (44.7 per cent).
The Head of the Lagos State Hajj team, Mr. Anofiu Elegushi while speaking to journalists in Medinah on the successful completion of the airlifting exercise, expressed his delight and gratitude to Allah for the successes recorded with the first leg of the operation.
He said, “All praises and adorations are due to Almighty Allah for guiding the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board from inception to the conclusion of the exercise”, stressing that the successes recorded so far would not have been possible without His grace and mercy.”
He also appreciated the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Hamzat for their support towards the Board and the pilgrims which had greatly influenced the successes recorded with the exercise.
Elegushi appealed to the pilgrims to obey all the laid-down rules and regulations guiding their stay in the holy land, be focused on the main purpose of embarking on the journey, avoid all illegal and illegitimate dealings and conduct themselves in a civilized manner in order not to tarnish the enviable image of the State and Nigeria at large.
While reiterating that the State had done everything humanly possible towards ensuring that the pilgrims enjoy maximum comfort throughout their stay in the Kingdom, the former Commissioner for Home Affairs, gave assurances that the return journey back to Nigerian after the completion of the Hajj rites would be seamless and stress free.
Cherish jealously
On his part, the Board Chairman, Imam Shakiru Gafar, urged the pilgrims to leverage on the enlightenment given them by the Board in the course of the operation and perform the Hajj rites in accordance with the teachings of the holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) so that their pilgrimage could be accepted by Allah as act of Ibaadah.
Gafar also urged them to guard the opportunity of being called to perform the Hajj jealousy, saying many who are financially and medically fit are seeking such privilege but Allah has not given them despite the fact that they can afford it.
Commendations
The Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Saheed Onipede commended the support and cooperations of the South West Zonal coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Alhaji Gafar Odunola and his team.
He also commended the Flynas airline for the excellent services it had rendered to the state pilgrims. He particularly praised the Senior Station Manager, Flynas Lagos South West zone, Mr. Shadrach Kambai for his exceptional conducts and commitments.
“Mr. Shadrach has been very consistent in his commitment to quality service delivery by ensuring that flights are brought from Saudi Arabia to convey the pilgrims promptly”, he said.
Recall that the state Government commenced the airlifting exercise on June 1st and has been able to complete the exercise with the hope to begin the return journey after the completion of the Hajj rites.
Olusola Akintonde
