2026 HAJJ: FIRST BATCH OF LAGOS PILGRIMS PROCEEDS TO MAKKAH
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The first batch of Lagos State pilgrims taking part in the 2026 Hajj exercise has departed Madinah for Makkah to continue their spiritual journey.
The pilgrims left Madinah in high spirits after spending four days in prayers and other religious activities at the Prophet’s Mosque.
Meanwhile, the second and third groups of Lagos pilgrims who arrived in Madinah on Sunday have begun Ziyarah, visiting important Islamic historical sites within the city.
The visits provided the pilgrims with the opportunity to reflect on Islamic history, the sacrifices of early Muslims, and to further strengthen their spiritual preparation ahead of the main Hajj rites in Makkah.
The sites visited included Masjid Quba, the first mosque established in Madinah; Mount Uhud, site of the historic Battle of Uhud; Masjid Qiblatain, where the direction of prayer was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah; Jannatul Baqi, the burial place of many companions of the Prophet; and the Seven Mosques (Sab’ah Masajid), linked to the Battle of the Trench.
In a related development, 343 Lagos State intending pilgrims, made up of 169 men and 174 women, have arrived safely at King Abdulaziz International Airport for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The first flight departed from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on Friday, May 8, 2026, with the pilgrims airlifted aboard a Flynas aircraft, flight number XY8504.
Speaking to journalists, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, assured pilgrims and their families that adequate welfare arrangements had been made to ensure their comfort throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
He said Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu had approved all necessary measures to guarantee proper support for pilgrims both in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, urging them to remain disciplined, prayerful, and to serve as good ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Some pilgrims also expressed satisfaction with the coordination and arrangements by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, describing the smooth travel process as evidence of the government’s commitment to their welfare, safety, and comfort during the pilgrimage.
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