The first batch of Lagos State pilgrims that participated in the 2023 holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia arrived Lagos yesterday. The pilgrims, 185 males and 195 females, departed King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, aboard a Flynas Airline XY 7656 at 11.30 a.m. Saudi Arabian time and landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at 3.47 p.m. yesterday.
The flight, which was described as a ‘special ’ by the Amir-ul-Hajj, Anofiu Elegushi, had on board the elderly, those with medical challenges and others.
Elegushi urged them to guide their new status jealousy, saying that as new Alhajis and Alhajas, they are like new-born babies without any sin. He added that in line with Islamic principle, their new status remains intact for at least 41 days if they can avoid committing sins.
The Amir-ul-Hajj, who admonished the pilgrims to allow the exemplary conduct they exhibited in the Holy Land reflect in their dealings with others in every human endeavours, appealed to those yet to be airlifted to exercise patience, as necessary plans have been put in place to ensure everyone is airlifted back to Nigeria within the shortest period of time.
