Lagos State Confirms Safe Return of 1,315 Pilgrims from 2025 Hajj
The Lagos State Government has confirmed the safe return of all 1,315 pilgrims who participated in this year’s Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia, adding that they have all been reunited with their families.
According to The News Now, the last batch of pilgrims departed King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah earlier today and arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos shortly after 2 p.m.
Upon their arrival at the Hajj Camp section of the airport, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr. Olanrewaju Layode, addressed the media, congratulating the pilgrims on completing a successful Hajj. He commended their exemplary conduct, describing them as proud ambassadors of Nigeria throughout the pilgrimage.
Mr. Layode noted that the pre-departure medical screenings helped manage the pilgrims’ health in the holy land and expressed gratitude to Almighty God for their safe and well-coordinated return.
The Commissioner also thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for their unwavering support, noting that the state-funded medical check-ups were crucial in assessing pilgrims’ health status before departure.
Mr. Layode further revealed that preparations for the 2026 Hajj would commence soon, promising improved coordination and innovative changes. He emphasized the need for early payment of Hajj fees to avoid delays in visa processing, which is now strictly enforced by Saudi authorities.
Pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj began the major rites on the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, moving from Makkah to Mina, then to Arafah, and onward to Musdalifah to collect pebbles for the ritual stoning of the Jamarat, in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
During their stay in the holy land, pilgrims offered prayers for Lagos State and Nigeria. The state also organized a lecture on the significance of Arafah, delivered by a respected Islamic scholar.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, confirmed that all Lagos pilgrims were airlifted according to the schedule set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), ensuring minimal delays.
Mr. Ajomagberin also expressed gratitude to Almighty God for protecting the pilgrims, especially during the five spiritually intense days spent at Mashaer, Mina, and Arafah, allowing them to complete their rites without any major incident.
Some of the returning pilgrims commended state officials for their prompt attention to welfare matters and logistical support, which they said contributed greatly to the overall success of the spiritual exercise.
