Second batch of Ogun hajj pilgrims arrive Gateway Airport

Ogun State’s Second Batch of Pilgrims Returns from 2026 Hajj

The second group of Ogun State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has arrived safely at Gateway International Airport in Iperu. The 345 pilgrims returned via an Airbus A330 operated by Flynas, landing directly from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday at 5:12 p.m.

This follows the arrival of the first batch of 345 pilgrims, who returned to Ogun State the previous evening at 10 p.m.

Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 pilgrimage, welcomed the second group and highlighted the significance of the direct flight service from Saudi Arabia to Gateway International Airport. He described this development as a remarkable achievement for Ogun State.

Apelogun expressed his gratitude to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for his continuous support and commitment to ensuring a successful pilgrimage experience. He noted that the governor was actively involved throughout the pilgrims’ time in Medina and Makkah, frequently inquiring about their welfare.

“Governor Abiodun was present throughout the pilgrims’ stay in Medina and Makkah, consistently reaching out to inquire about their welfare and well-being to ensure they were adequately cared for,” Apelogun said.

The Amirul Hajj commended the Ogun State pilgrims for their exemplary behavior during the pilgrimage, which earned the state praise from Hajj stakeholders. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria recognized Ogun State pilgrims as one of the best-behaved contingents during the 2026 Hajj.

Apelogun urged the pilgrims to maintain the values of patience, discipline, and devotion they embraced during their journey. He extended his thanks to Almighty Allah for their safe return and commended the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for its role in the success of the pilgrimage.

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