Another group of Ogun State pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has safely returned home, arriving at the Gateway International Airport in Iperu.
The latest batch, made up of 345 pilgrims, landed on Friday evening aboard a Flynas Airbus A330 flight that departed directly from Jeddah. The aircraft touched down at approximately 5:12 p.m., marking another successful phase of the state’s Hajj return operation.
The arrival came barely 24 hours after the first set of 345 pilgrims returned to Ogun State on Thursday night.
Speaking during the reception ceremony, the 2026 Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, described the direct arrival of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Gateway International Airport as a significant milestone for Ogun State.
He noted that the development represents a major achievement for the state’s aviation sector and expressed pride in being among the first pilgrims to experience an international flight through the airport.
Apelogun also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for the support provided throughout the pilgrimage, saying the governor remained actively involved in ensuring the welfare of Ogun pilgrims while they were in the Holy Land.
According to him, the governor consistently monitored the situation of the pilgrims in both Makkah and Madinah and maintained close contact with officials to ensure that participants were properly catered for during their stay.
The Amirul Hajj further praised the conduct of Ogun pilgrims, describing them as disciplined, responsible and respectful throughout the exercise.
He explained that their behaviour earned positive recognition among Hajj officials and stakeholders, adding that the state’s contingent stood out for complying with guidelines and maintaining a high level of decorum.
Ogun pilgrims were previously recognised among the best-performing groups during the 2026 Hajj exercise by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Apelogun encouraged the returning pilgrims to continue living by the lessons learned during the pilgrimage, including patience, self-discipline, humility and devotion to God.
He also expressed gratitude to Allah for granting the pilgrims a successful spiritual journey and a safe return home, while applauding the efforts of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for its role in ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj operation.