Hajj 2022: 1,617 Lagos Pilgrims Return Home

No fewer than 1,617 pilgrims from Lagos State to the 2022 Hajj in Saudi Arabia have returned home.

This was contained in a release signed by the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board Public Relations Officer, Mr. Taofeek Lawal.

The statement stated that the 1,617 pilgrims were airlifted in four flights, adding that the few remaining pilgrims, who are mostly officials of the State Government are expected back in the country soon.

According to the release, the arrival of the fourth batch of 345 pilgrims who arrived on board a Flynas Airline with flight number XY7044 landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja at 2.05 am Wednesday, increased the total pilgrims already at home to 1,617.

Also on the flight were 81 pilgrims from Oyo State.

The State Amir-ul-hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi expressed gratitude to Allah for preserving the lives of every pilgrim and granting them the wherewithal to actively perform all the essential rites of the spiritual exercise.

The Hon. Commissioner who Spoke through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic matters, Alh. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, also appreciated Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their steadfastness and supports they rendered to the pilgrims while in the holy land.

He said that the administration ensured that the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims were given utmost priority in the area of accommodation, feeding, Ihram clothes, and transportation, amongst others throughout the exercise.

He also appreciated the pilgrims for their tolerance, understanding, and cooperation with government officials, stressing that their exemplary conduct has further elevated the enviable status of the State as the number one in Hajj operations among the states in Nigeria.