First Group of Ogun State Pilgrims Arrive in Medina, Saudi Arabia
First Group of Ogun State Pilgrims Arrive in Medina, Saudi Arabia
The initial group of intending pilgrims from Ogun State has arrived in Medina, Saudi Arabia. They touched down at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport at exactly 12:45 a.m.
The pilgrims departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos around 4 p.m. on Sunday.
During a farewell address, the Amir Hajj, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun; Sheik Iskeel Lawal Sugar, Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs; and Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the state government for this year’s Hajj.
In his remarks before departure, Apelogun advised the pilgrims to demonstrate discipline and integrity throughout their journey. He emphasized that they are not only representatives of Ogun State but also serve as ambassadors of Islam and Nigeria.
To ease the financial burden of the pilgrimage, the Amirul Hajj provided financial assistance to the 675 intending pilgrims, enabling them to meet the $500 requirement for their journey. He personally disbursed N3,375,000 to help offset the costs, especially considering the recent rise in the dollar exchange rate, which increased the financial obligations for the pilgrims.
Taiwo Ajibola, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, confirmed that the financial support was provided directly by the Amirul Hajj, significantly alleviating the financial strain on the pilgrims.
