The First Batch of intending Muslim pilgrims from Lagos State would depart for Madinah, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
No fewer than 462 intending pilgrims would make the inaugural flight to be operated by FlyNas airlifting the pilgrims directly to Prince Mohammed Bn Abdulaziz International Airport from the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Hajj Terminal in Lagos.
The State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, disclosed this during a one-day seminar organised for intending pilgrims by the state pilgrims’ welfare board.
He appealed to those on board to be adequately prepared for the trip, according to a statement by the Asst. Director, Public Affairs in the state pilgrims welfare board, Mr. Taofeek Lawal
The Commissioner congratulated and rejoiced with the intending pilgrims for being counted amongst those that would perform the exercise through the State, adding that many who could afford the increment in Hajj fare were not accommodated due to insufficient slots.
Daily Trust reports that NAHCON had allocated 1,500 slots for the state which were exhausted almost immediately as there are backlogs of intending pilgrims from 2019.
Elegushi also informed the intending pilgrims that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved $800 out of the Hajj fare as their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA).
He added that the State has put necessary arrangements in place for their comfort of while in the Holy land.
The deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who was present called on the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria while performing the spiritual exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The deputy Governor noted that the challenges facing the nation are enormous but with concerted efforts and prayers, the problems would be surmounted.
He also urged them to pray for peace and tranquility of Lagos State and for peaceful elections during the forthcoming 2023 general elections as well as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his quest to become the next President of Nigeria.
