Labayka Lahuma Labayka! The air reverberates with fervent chants of the talbiya as 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states embark on their sacred journey.
Today, these devout souls will be airlifted via Air Peace airlines, heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj — a moment of profound spiritual significance.
This historic first Nigerian airlift will be graced by notable dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, underscoring the importance of this arrangement, particularly taking the inaugural flight from the South-East region of the country.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that registration for the 2025 pilgrimage officially ended on Friday, May 2nd, 2025. Despite the closure, efforts prioritized the airlift’s smooth operation, with NAHCON’s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, securing an extension to focus resources on ensuring pilgrims’ comfort. Any deposits made after the deadline will be refunded.
According to a statement signed by the Commission spokesperson, Hajia Fatima Usara: “The extension was made possible through the intervention of NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman despite closure of contract by March 25th 2025. Stoppage of further registration became necessary in order for the Commission to concentrate on airlift of pilgrims, with sufficient resources to ensure their comfort. Hence, any Hajj fare deposit received after 2nd May will be duly refunded. Meanwhile, movement to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj commences today, 9th May 2025.
“The inaugural flight for this year’s Hajj is scheduled to take off from Owerri, Imo State with His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Imo state Executive Governor as host. 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia and Bayelsa are scheduled to board the Air Peace airline for the trip.
“Senator Kashim Shettima is expected to grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honor. Already, the NAHCON advance team arrived in Owerri earlier Wednesday 7th May 2025 to monitor preparations for the upcoming event.
“Registration for the 2025 Hajj ended with a record of 40, 671 pilgrims to participate from the government quota. Four flights are scheduled to take off simultaneously on the 9th of May for the pilgrimage. The flights are expected as follows- Max Air from Bauchi, two FlyNas flights, one from Kebbi and the other Osun through Lagos departure center, and a fourth flight from Niger totaling 2,528 pilgrims to arrive Madina on the first day.
