The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the Central Working Committee (CWC) for the Y2025 Hajj, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, has led the first batch of Lagos pilgrims back to Nigeria after successfully completing the 2025 Hajj rites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The group, comprising 423 pilgrims including 179 males and 244 females arrived aboard a Flynas Airbus XY9014.

The flight departed the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 2:11 p.m. (Saudi time) on Tuesday, June 17, and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, at 6:15 p.m. (Nigerian time).

Before departure, Dr. Jebe expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the pilgrims safety throughout the Hajj, particularly during the spiritually significant but physically demanding days at Mina and Arafah, as well as the symbolic stoning ritual at Jamarat.

He praised the Lagos pilgrims for their exemplary conduct, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the state. Dr. Jebe urged them to internalise the spiritual lessons of the Hajj and allow its impact to reflect in their personal lives, businesses, and interactions with others.

Dr. Jebe also extended appreciation to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for the unwavering support provided to the CWC and the entire pilgrimage process, which he said contributed immensely to its success.

Among other top government officials aboard the return flight were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Home Affairs, Mr. Teslim Olusi, and the Chairman of the Dawah/Sensitisation Subcommittee, Prof. AbdulKabir Paramole, along with several CWC members.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, confirmed the state’s preparedness for the return of all its pilgrims.

He stated that with the smooth operation of the first return flight, subsequent airlifts would proceed in line with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)’s schedule.

Ajomagberin urged remaining pilgrims to be patient and adhere strictly to baggage regulations, including the 32kg limit for main luggage and 8kg for hand luggage.

He advised those with excess baggage to use private cargo services at their own cost and warned against hiding Zam Zam water in their luggage, assuring that each pilgrim would receive a 5kg container of Zam Zam water upon arrival in Lagos.