The first batch of 390 pilgrims from Lagos State arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia said yesterday.
The pilgrims, consisting of 173 males and 217 females on board a Flynas airline, landed at 9.46 am in Saudi Arabia (7.46 am Nigerian time).
Another batch of 428 pilgrims (186 males, 242 females) departed yesterday around 5:21 pm.
Former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, who coordinated the movement of the pilgrims, said they have been given adequate enlightenment on all they needed to know about the exercise during the weekend lectures, adding that they are expected to obey all the laws of Saudi Arabia and be good ambassadors of the state and country.
He said the rescheduled inaugural flight from 31th May to 4th June was a plus for the state because its pilgrims would leave for the pilgrimage exercise earlier than scheduled.
He commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the regulatory measures it put in place for this year’s operation.
He urged NAHCON to try to be more flexible with the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards in its regulations.
The Board Chairman, Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar appealed to the pilgrims that are yet to be airlifted to exercise patience and show understanding with the board, saying that necessary machinery has been put in place for a seamless operation.
He urged them to realize that their airlifting is dependent on the early issuance of visas by the Saudi Arabian Embassy. He gave assurances that every one of them would be airlifted to the Kingdom to fulfil their spiritual obligation.
The Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede, said that the logistics put in place for the inaugural flight were perfect and highly encouraging.
Onipede expressed his hope that the whole airlifting exercise would be hitch-free and successful.
The trio thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for their steadfastness and support for the operation.
Meanwhile, the NAHCON said Nigerian pilgrims will today begin movement to Makkah from Madinah where they have been staying since they arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The 472 pilgrims from Nasarawa State were the first batch of Pilgrims to have been airlifted from Nigeria on the Inaugural Flight operated by Max Air Limited last Thursday.
The contingent, received at a symbolic ceremony by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, was attended by the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Amb. Yahaya Lawal, the Consul-General and other members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Since their arrival in Madina, the contingent had performed the traditional rites of praying at the Haramain Mosque and made visitations to many Islamic Landmarks and historical sites including the battlefield of Uhud.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari had urged them to shun any act capable of tarnishing the image of the country and to be good ambassadors of the country. They were also enjoined to pray for the peace, progress and stability of the nation.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan also promised to make their stay in the Holy Land a memorable one with the provision of good accommodation, transportation and feeding with local Nigerian dishes.
More than 15,000 Nigerian pilgrims have been airlifted to the Holy Land.
