THE Lagos State government has concluded the 2024 hajj exercise with the arrival of the last and final batch of the state’s pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The 401 pilgrims, comprising 144 from Lagos and 257 from Osun State, and 11 officials touched down at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on board Flynas flight XY9066 on Wednesday.
The Amir-ul Hajj, who is also the state Commissioner of Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen on arrival at the airport. He described the hajj operation as a success.
Layode appreciated the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct in the holy land, promising that the state would work to improve on the few challenges observed during the exercise.
The commissiner hinted that a post-hajj conference is expected to be convened with the stakeholders by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to address some of the glitches towards finding a lasting solution.
“We give glory to Almighty God for the successful completion of this spiritual journey. I am indeed grateful to all the critical stakeholders that made this happen.
“It was an encouraging journey with adequate preparations by the Saudi authorities to ensure that all pilgrims had a hitch-free exercise and the effort of NAHCON was also tremendous, as they put up a good spirit which made the exercise a huge success.
“Looking ahead, we know that when NAHCON completes the whole operation, they will convene a post-hajj conference that will involve the Amir-ul Hajj of all the states of the federation with their pilgrims boards and this will enable us to dissect the operation for the year and look at areas of improvement in the coming year, and we are all looking forward to that meeting,” he said.
Layode extended appreciation to the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, for their support for the pilgrims and the board which he said contributed to the success recorded during the exercise.
Special Adviser to Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr Abdullahi Jebe Ahmad, who appreciated the state government and the pilgrims for their support, praised the Saudi authorities for consistently creating improved ambience for the pilgrims and making this year’s hajj exercise a memorable one, particularly for the Lagos State pilgrims.
The chairman of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Shakiru Gafar, thanked God for a successful operation and appreciated the pilgrims who spent their wealth, health and time to serve God.
He gave the assurance of a better operation in the coming year.
The board’s secretary, Mr Saheed Onipede, said the exercise was a remarkable experience which was made possible with the “audacious effort” of the Saudi government, the commitment of the Nigerian government officials as well as the cooperation of the pilgrims from the state.
About 1,869 pilgrims were airlifted to the holy land by the state and the return journey, which started on June 23, climaxed on July 3, 2024, with all the pilgrims, apart from Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris who lost his life during the period, airlifted back home.
Some of the pilgrims left directly for their bases in the United Staes and the United Kingdom from Saudi Arabia.
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