In a major step towards fulfilling their religious duties, Ondo State has successfully airlifted 316 pilgrims in the first batch to the holy land of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. This milestone was confirmed by the 0Chairman of the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Dhikirulahi Chandy-Adam, in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
The first group of pilgrims, who were vaccinated for yellow fever and meningitis, were expected to depart from Ilorin International Airport at 1 p.m. on Monday. This initial group marks the beginning of the state’s annual Hajj operations, with two additional batches scheduled to depart on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
Alhaji Chandy-Adam highlighted that a total of 735 intending pilgrims will be airlifted from Ondo State to Saudi Arabia during this year’s pilgrimage season. While the first batch departs today, the subsequent flights will carry the remaining pilgrims to Mecca.
The Muslim Welfare Board Chairman also emphasized the importance of the pilgrims adhering to Saudi Arabian regulations and urged them to approach the pilgrimage with faith, belief, and the fear of Allah. “It is important for pilgrims to respect the rules and follow the guidelines set by the Saudi Arabian authorities to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage,” he said.
Chandy-Adam noted that this year’s pilgrimage is an essential spiritual journey for many Muslims in Ondo State and across Nigeria, and the board has worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience for the pilgrims. The trip to Mecca is the fifth pillar of Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime if they are able to do so.
To ensure that the first batch of pilgrims departed without any hitches, the Ondo State government made various arrangements. These include pre-departure briefings and health checks for all pilgrims to confirm they are fit to travel. The pilgrimage process also involved providing the pilgrims with the necessary documentation and ensuring they had the required vaccinations for their health and safety.
The Nigerian Hajj Commission, along with the state Muslim Welfare Board, worked closely with relevant authorities to facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of the pilgrims, ensuring their safety, well-being, and comfort throughout the journey.
The airlifting of the first batch of pilgrims is not just a significant event for those making the journey, but also a reflection of Ondo State’s commitment to supporting its religious community. The state has a long-standing tradition of facilitating the Hajj process, ensuring that its citizens can fulfill this important religious obligation.
In addition to providing logistical support, the Ondo State government also ensures that pilgrims are properly educated on the spiritual and practical aspects of the pilgrimage. This comprehensive support system helps to ease the emotional and physical demands of the journey.
As the pilgrimage season progresses, further flights will continue to depart for Saudi Arabia, completing the transportation of all 735 pilgrims from Ondo State. With the start of the 2025 Hajj season, the state is optimistic that the pilgrimage will be a successful and spiritually enriching experience for all involved.