The Ogun State Amirul (leader) Hajj for the 2026 holy pilgrimage to Makkah, Shamsideen Apelogun, has lauded the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, making it possible for the first time for pilgrims from the state to have a direct flight back from Saudi Arabia to the state after performing this year’s Hajj.
Apelogun, according to a statement on Saturday, gave his commendation after the second batch of state pilgrims, numbering 345, touched down on Friday evening at the state-owned Gateway International Airport in Iperu Remo.
The 345 pilgrims were reportedly conveyed aboard an Airbus A330 operated by Flynas, arriving directly from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking another successful phase of the state’s return airlift hajj operation.
Apelogun said, “This direct flight from Saudi Arabia to the Gateway International Airport is no doubt a remarkable achievement in the history of Ogun State, and we must continually be grateful for Gov Abiodun’s foresight and visionary leadership
“We are quite delighted to be among the first pilgrims to utilise this international airport for such a historic international flight.
“We also want to thank our loving governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his fatherly support and unwavering commitment to the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“Governor Abiodun was notably present throughout the pilgrims’ stay in Medina and Makkah, consistently reaching out to inquire about our welfare and wellbeing to ensure that we are all adequately cared for. We pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to strengthen our governor as he continues to take the state to greater heights.”
The Amirul Hajj appreciated all those who contributed to the success of the pilgrimage particularly members of the Ogun State Muslim Welfare Board, Chairman Sheik Olohungbebe, Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs Sheik Lawal Isikil Sugar, various Alfas, administrative staff, the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo and his team, the medical team led by Dr Oloko as well as the information team led by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Waheed Adesina among others
He commended the state pilgrims for their exemplary conduct in the Holy Land, noting that their discipline and adherence to regulations earned the state commendation among Hajj stakeholders.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria reportedly rated state pilgrims among the best-behaved contingents during the 2026 pilgrimage.
Apelogun urged the pilgrims to sustain the values of patience, discipline, and devotion that they imbibed during the pilgrimage. He also expressed heartfelt thanks to Almighty Allah for granting them a safe and successful Hajj, and commended the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the success recorded throughout this sacred journey.
Recall that the first batch of 345 pilgrims from the state had departed from the Gateway International Airport to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj on Sunday, May 3rd, marking a historic occasion and the first time the pilgrims would be airlifted directly from the state to Makkah.
This development had caused great excitement in the state, marking the state’s steady journey toward taking its share from the aviation sector.
