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The Lagos State Government has finalized arrangements to begin the process of transporting over 1,800 pilgrims who took part in the 2024 Hajj back to the state after completing their religious duties in Saudi Arabia.
The airlifting operation from the holy land to Nigeria is scheduled to start on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024, with special pilgrims being the first to depart.
The special pilgrims to be airlifted include 188 individuals, consisting of the elderly, those with health challenges, and Lagosians residing abroad who participated in the pilgrimage through the state pilgrims’ board.
In the meantime, a special prayer session was held by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to honor the 11th anniversary of the late Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other prominent individuals such as the former welfare secretary of the Lagos All Progressives Congress, Ramota Bankole, who passed away after completing her Hajj duties recently.
Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Layode, revealed this information during the remembrance prayer session, stating that the special pilgrims would be departing on the same flight as Kebbi State pilgrims.
He further emphasized that the full flight of the State would continue on Monday, June 24th with the second batch, following a 'first-in, first-out' basis, with no preferential treatment unless necessary.
The Commissioner also stated that the current situation would remain unchanged until the last batch of pilgrims are transported back home.
Wishing them a safe journey, Layode urged them to guard their new status with care, as new Alhajis and Alhajas, likening them to newly born babies without sins.
He added that according to Islamic principles, their new status remains intact for at least 41 days if they can avoid committing sins.
He also advised them to let the exemplary behavior they displayed in the Holy land reflect in their interactions with others.
