The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has safely arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, marking a significant milestone in the state’s aviation and pilgrimage history.
The 345 pilgrims—comprising 151 males and 194 females—departed the newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport in Iperu at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday and arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport at approximately 4:15 a.m. (Nigerian time). The delegation also included officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Upon arrival, the pilgrims were received by Saudi Hajj authorities and airport officials before undergoing immigration and security checks. They were subsequently transported to their hotel accommodations in Medina, where they are expected to rest ahead of the commencement of Hajj rites.
The flight not only flagged off Ogun State’s 2026 Hajj operations but also marked the first international departure from Gateway International Airport, underscoring a major breakthrough in the state’s transport infrastructure.
The airport, commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has now positioned Ogun State as a strategic hub for international travel and economic activities.
Speaking ahead of the inaugural flight, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the journey as the first 4,600-kilometre nonstop international flight from Iperu, highlighting it as a testament to his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth.
“This achievement goes beyond the movement of an aircraft; it reflects our collective dedication, resilience, and vision for a more connected and prosperous Ogun State,” the governor said.
Abiodun also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support in completing the project and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for designating the airport as a Hajj departure centre. He urged the pilgrims to uphold Nigeria’s image by adhering to Saudi laws and demonstrating discipline throughout their pilgrimage.
In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Hajj Operations, Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, noted that the new departure point would significantly ease travel logistics for pilgrims by reducing the need to transit through Lagos.
He further described Gateway International Airport as the first state-owned facility in South-West Nigeria approved for Hajj operations without restrictions, attributing the recognition to its modern infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, urged the pilgrims to see the journey as a sacred privilege and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on Ogun State and Nigeria.
Traditional and religious leaders, including the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, lauded the project, noting that it has eliminated the stress of travelling to Lagos for international flights.
On behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu described the experience as historic, while several travellers expressed excitement at being among the first to embark on an international journey from the new airport.
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