ITwas an expression of joy and praise worship, as the third batch of another 416 Lagos State pilgrims landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, after the completion of the 2022 Hajj rites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A statement released by the Public Affairs Officer of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Taofeek Lawal, indicated that the 416 who are part of the intending pilgrims airlifted by Lagos State Government for the holy pilgrimage exercise, were on board a Flynas Airline Flight No. XY7018 which touched down at exactly 2.30 am today, Friday July 22, 2022.
Prof. Kabir Paramole who is a Board member and highest ranking government official on board, said that going by the experience of this year exercise, every pilgrim must appreciate Allah for His mercy, stressing that every Hajj exercise usually comes along with its challenges and peculiarities.
He expressed his gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their commitment to the cause of Islam and Muslims in the State.
He said that the administration’s unflinching support has greatly smoothened the operation and helped the Board in providing the much expected comfort for the pilgrims in
the holy land.
Prof. Paramole appealed to the pilgrims to allow the teachings of the spiritual exercise reflect positively in their relationships with their neighbors in order for Nigeria to continue to progress.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Dawah Sub-Committee for the 2022 Hajj operation, Imam AbdulHakeem Lawal, said that the pilgrims apart from praying individually for themselves, also prayed fervently for the peace and tranquility of Lagos State in particular and Nigeria in general.
He expressed hope that the collective prayers offered by the pilgrims have been answered by Allah and shall manifest positively for enhancement of peace and progress in the country and her citizens, especially as we prepare for the 2023 general elections to elect new President and other leaders.
So far, the number of Lagos State pilgrims that have returned home safely is 1,272 whilst the remaining pilgrims are expected back home in accordance with the flight schedule of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)
