The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has safely arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise, marking a historic milestone for the state’s aviation and pilgrimage operations.
The pilgrims touched down at King Abdulaziz International Airport at about 4:15 a.m. (Nigerian time), following their departure from Gateway International Airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, 3 April, 2026.
The contingent comprised 345 pilgrims—151 males and 194 females—alongside officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Upon arrival, they were received by Saudi Hajj officials and airport authorities before undergoing immigration and security procedures in an orderly manner. They were thereafter conveyed in buses to their hotel accommodations in Medina, where they are expected to rest ahead of subsequent Hajj rites.
The departure of the pilgrims from Gateway International Airport marked both the commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations and the airport’s first international flight.
The facility was commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during an official visit to Ogun State.
Speaking ahead of the inaugural flight, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the journey as the first 4,600-kilometre nonstop international flight from Iperu, noting that it reflects the administration’s commitment to infrastructure and economic expansion.
“What we celebrate today goes far beyond the arrival and departure of an international aircraft; it is a testament to focus, determination, resilience, commitment, sacrifice, and teamwork,” the governor said.
He added that the development opens new pathways for connectivity and positions Ogun State as a hub for commerce and global interaction.
Abiodun expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support in ensuring the timely completion of the airport and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for designating the facility as one of the centres for Hajj operations.
He also charged the pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria by obeying the laws of Saudi Arabia and conducting themselves with discipline and integrity throughout their stay.
In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, represented by Commissioner for Hajj Operations, Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new departure point would significantly ease logistics by reducing travel time for pilgrims.
He noted that Gateway International Airport is the first state-owned facility in South-West Nigeria cleared for Hajj operations without limitations, attributing the feat to its modern infrastructure.
The Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, described the pilgrimage as a spiritual privilege and urged pilgrims to uphold the image of the state and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, commended the project, noting that it has eliminated the stress of travelling to Lagos for international departures.
On behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu described the experience as historic, while some of the travellers expressed excitement at being among the first to depart from the new airport.
Alimosho APC Unveils Consensus Candidates, Vows Stronger Support for Tinubu Ahead of 2027
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho Federal Constituency have unanimously adopted consensus candidates for the forthcoming legislative elections, reinforcing internal cohesion and signaling a coordinated push toward the 2027 general elections, reports thegazellenews.com
The move is widely interpreted as a strategic alignment aimed at consolidating party strength and maximizing electoral outcomes across all tiers.
For the House of Representatives, Ganiyu Adele Ayuba emerged as the consensus candidate following extensive consultations among party leaders and grassroots stakeholders. His endorsement reflects a broad-based confidence in his legislative competence and capacity to effectively represent Alimosho at the National Assembly.
At the state level, Luqman Olatunji Orelope has been adopted as the party’s candidate for Alimosho State Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, while Kehinde Joseph will contest for Alimosho State Constituency II. Both candidates are recognized for their strong grassroots engagement and established political networks within their constituencies.
The consensus arrangement received the backing of prominent party leaders, including Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Prince Adebisi Yusuf; and Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, state Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, alongside other influential figures.
Their endorsement underscores the high level of coordination and unity that characterized the selection process.
The adoption meeting recorded an impressive turnout, with all six Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairmen in attendance.
They are: Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, Alimosho Local Government; Senior Comrade Lasisi Akinsanya, Igando Ikotun LCDA; Abiodun Agbaje, Ayobo Ipaja LCDA; Abiodun Ejigbadero, Agbado Oke Odo LCDA; Adunni Akindele, Mosan-Okunola LCDA; and Idris Balogun of Egbe-Idimu LCDA. The full complement of 36 councillors was also present, alongside a large number of party faithful and grassroots mobilizers.
Party leaders at the meeting emphasized that the consensus approach has effectively minimized internal divisions, strengthened unity, and positioned the constituency for a more coordinated campaign. They expressed confidence that this alignment would translate into increased voter mobilization and stronger electoral performance, particularly in support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to continuity, effective representation, and sustained development across Alimosho Federal Constituency. With a unified political structure now firmly in place, the APC in Alimosho is poised to play a decisive role in the 2027 general elections, projecting confidence in both its candidates and its capacity to deliver significant electoral gains.
