Hajj 2023: Lagos state reschedules airlifting of intending pilgrims

Lagos State has rescheduled the ongoing airlifting of intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj exercise.

The new dates for the last two flights will now hold on June 14 and 15, 2023.

Briefing the yet to be airlifted pilgrims in Ikeja, the immediate past Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Anofiu Elegushi explained that the initial dates given by Flynas airline for the airlifting exercise, was between Sunday, June 4 and 17.

The former Commissioner explained further that Lagos State was privileged to kick-start the airlifting early on Thursday, June 1, because the States that were originally scheduled for airlifting between June 1 and 3 were not ready to airlift their pilgrims.

“Lagos state tapped into the opportunity when approached by the airline to bring her intending pilgrims for airlifting and the affected states are now ready to airlift their intending pilgrims between June 10 and 13.

“And as a proactive state, we have been able to airlift 3,110 intending pilgrims (both males and females) out of a total allocation of 3,644 to Saudi Arabia since the commencement of the airlifting exercise, and amongst the 36 states in Nigeria including the FCT, Lagos is the first to have accomplished such a large number of pilgrims in the Kingdom so far,” he said

While assuring the few remaining intending pilgrims that they would be airlifted as rescheduled, he urged them not to be discouraged but take the situation as the will of Almighty Allah, as he enjoined them to return to their respective homes to enjoy the company of their families and await further announcement in due course.

He however tendered an unreserved apology on behalf of the State for any inconveniences the situation might have caused them.

Elegushi was joined at the briefing by the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Alh. Abdullahi Jebe; a Board member, Hon. Lolade Shonibare, the Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede, amongst others.