Shamsideen Apelogun, the Ogun State Amirul (leader) Hajj for the 2026 holy pilgrimage to Makkah has applauded the possibility of pilgrims from the state to having a direct flight back from Saudi Arabia to the state after performing this year’s Hajj.
The Amirul Hajj commended the executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the feat after the second batch of state pilgrims, numbering 345, touched down on Friday evening at the state-owned Gateway International Airport in Iperu Remo.
“This direct flight from Saudi Arabia to the Gateway International Airport is no doubt a remarkable achievement in the history of Ogun State, and we must continually be grateful for Gov Abiodun’s foresight and visionary leadership
“We are quite delighted to be among the first pilgrims to utilise this international airport for such a historic international flight.
“We also want to thank our loving governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his fatherly support and unwavering commitment to the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“Governor Abiodun was notably present throughout the pilgrims’ stay in Medina and Makkah, consistently reaching out to inquire about our welfare and wellbeing to ensure that we are all adequately cared for. We pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to strengthen our governor as he continues to take the state to greater heights.”