Connect with us

News

First Batch Of Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia For 2026 Hajj

Phinadon Mag

Published

on

Quick Summary:
The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State arrives in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, marking the first international flight from the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport.

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) after departing from Gateway International Airport, Iperu, at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday.

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, completed immigration and security checks, and were transported to their hotel accommodations in Medina to rest ahead of subsequent Hajj rites.

Gateway International Airport Records First International Flight

The departure of the pilgrims marked both the commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations and the first international flight from the Gateway International Airport, commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking ahead of the inaugural flight, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the journey as the first 4,600-kilometre nonstop international flight from Iperu, emphasizing that it reflects his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and economic expansion.

He added that the development opens new pathways for connectivity and positions Ogun State as a hub for commerce and global interaction.

Governor, NAHCON, And Religious Leaders Commend Milestone

Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the airport’s completion and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for designating the facility as one of the centres for Hajj operations.

He urged the pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, obey Saudi laws, and conduct themselves with discipline and integrity throughout their stay.

Representing NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf, the Commissioner for Hajj Operations, Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new departure point would ease logistics and reduce travel time for pilgrims.

The Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, described the pilgrimage as a spiritual privilege, urging pilgrims to uphold the image of Ogun State and Nigeria.

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.

Pilgrims Express Excitement

On behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu described the experience as historic, while several travellers expressed joy and gratitude for being among the first to depart from the new airport.

The successful flight marks a new chapter in Ogun State’s aviation history, reinforcing its role as a regional gateway for international travel and religious pilgrimage.

News

Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

Continue Reading

News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

Continue Reading

Trending

∧