The first group of 423 Lagos State pilgrims has returned home from Saudi Arabia after successfully completing the 2025 Hajj rites. The pilgrims, comprising 179 men and 244 women, arrived aboard a Flynas Airbus XY9014, which departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 2:11 PM (Saudi time) on Tuesday, June 17, and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at 6:15 PM (Nigerian time).
Leading the delegation was Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the Central Working Committee (CWC) for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Speaking before departure, Dr. Jebe expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for His guidance and protection throughout the spiritual journey, particularly during the critical five days at Mina and Arafah, and the physically demanding stoning ritual at Jamarat. He emphasized that it was by divine mercy that the rites were completed without major incidents.
He praised the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Lagos State. Dr. Jebe urged them to carry the lessons of the Hajj into their daily lives, businesses, and interactions with others.
He also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their unwavering support, which he said played a crucial role in the success of the exercise.
Among other government officials who returned with the first batch were Mr. Teslim Olusi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Home Affairs; Prof. AbdulKabir Paramole, Chairman of the Dawah and Sensitization Sub-Committee; and other CWC members.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, assured that the State is fully prepared for the return journey of all its pilgrims. In a statement issued by the Board’s Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal, Ajomagberin confirmed that airlift operations will proceed seamlessly, in line with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) schedule.
He expressed confidence that all Lagos pilgrims would be transported back home before the end of the week. Ajomagberin also urged those still awaiting return to remain patient and adhere strictly to luggage guidelines — 32kg for main luggage and 8kg for hand luggage. He warned against concealing Zam Zam water in their bags, noting that each pilgrim will receive an official 5kg container of Zam Zam water upon arrival in Lagos.
He further advised pilgrims with excess luggage to make arrangements with private cargo services and be prepared to cover the associated costs.
