The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has successfully airlifted a total of 1,236 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2021. The pilgrims were transported in three batches from the state’s Hajj Camp located in the state capital, Abeokuta.
The first batch consisting of 493 pilgrims departed on the 8th of July, followed by the second batch of 316 pilgrims on the 9th of July, while the third batch with 427 pilgrims departed on the 14th of July. All three flights were carried out by Max Air Limited, using a Boeing 747 aircraft.
Speaking on the success of the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Salau Babatunde, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness of the pilgrims and their adherence to the laid-down guidelines and procedures. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to the COVID-19 protocols during the Hajj exercise.
Alhaji Babatunde further disclosed that the Board had put measures in place to ensure the welfare and safety of all the pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia. He urged the pilgrims to be patriotic ambassadors of Nigeria and Ogun State while in the holy land, and to pray for peace, unity and progress in the state and the country at large.
Meanwhile, some of the pilgrims who spoke to the press expressed their appreciation to the state government for the smooth operations and efforts put in place for their welfare. They prayed for a successful Hajj exercise and a safe return back home.
The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has assured that the remaining pilgrims will be transported to Saudi Arabia as soon as possible and has called on all stakeholders to support the successful execution of the Hajj exercise in the state.
