Lagos State government has concluded the 2024 Hajj exercise with the safe arrival of the last and final batch of state pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The pilgrims on board Flynas flight XY9066 touched down at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos with 401 pilgrims and 11 officials comprising 144 from Lagos and 257 from Osun State respectively.
The Amir-ul-Hajj, who is also the State Commissioner of Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, made this known, while speaking to the journalists on arrival at the tarmac of the airport, saying that the Hajj operation was a success.
Layode appreciated the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct whilst in the Holy Land, promising that the state would work to improve on the few challenges observed during the exercise.
He, however, hinted that a Post Hajj Conference was 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 and I am indeed grateful to all the critical stakeholders that made this happen.
“It was an encouraging journey with adequate preparations by the Saudi authority to ensure that all pilgrims had a hitch-free exercise and the effort of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) was also tremendous, as they put up a good spirit which made the exercise a huge success.
“Looking ahead, we know that when the National Hajj Commission completes the whole operation they will convene a Post Hajj Conference that will involve the Amirul-Hajj of all the states of the Federation with their Pilgrim 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 equally extended his appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, for their support to the pilgrims and the Board, saying that the support contributed greatly 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, acknowledged the effort of the Saudi authority to consistently create an improved ambience for the pilgrims which had made this year’s Hajj exercise a memorable one, particularly for the Lagos State pilgrims.
Chairman, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Shakiru Gafar, in his own remark, thanked God for a successful operation, as he also appreciated the pilgrims who spent their wealth, health and time to serve the Almighty God, with the assurance by the Board of a better operation in the coming year.
The Board Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Saheed Onipede, equally maintained that the exercise was a remarkable experience which was made possible with the audacious effort of the Saudi government, the commitment exhibited by the Nigeria government officials as well as the cooperation of the pilgrims from the state.
It would be recalled that about 1,869 pilgrims were airlifted for the holy pilgrimage exercise by the state and the return journey which started on June 23 climaxed on July 3, 2024, with all the pilgrims safely airlifted back home to their families and friends while some left to their bases in USA and UK directly from Saudi Arabia, apart from late Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris who lost his life during the period.
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