Hajj: Abiodun lauded over direct flight from Makkah

The Ogun State Amirul Hajj for the 2026 holy pilgrimage to Makkah, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, has lauded the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for making it possible for pilgrims from the state to have a direct flight back from Saudi Arabia after performing this year’s Hajj.

Apelogun, according to a statement on Saturday, gave the commendation after the second batch of the state’s pilgrims, numbering 345, touched down on Friday evening at the state-owned Gateway International Airport, 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, who could not hide his joy over the success of this year’s Hajj operations, 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 governor 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 well-being to ensure that we were adequately cared for. We pray that Almighty Allah will continue to strengthen our governor as he continues to take the state to greater heights.”

The first batch of the 345 pilgrims from the state had departed from the Gateway International Airport to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj on May 3, marking a historic occasion and the first time pilgrims would be airlifted directly from the state to Makkah.