HAJJ 2025: First Batch of Ogun Pilgrims Departs Nigeria As Amirul Hajj Offers Counsel, Prayers

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

Reports reaching the news desk at OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA OTN News have it that the first batch of 428 intending pilgrims from Ogun State took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, heading to the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the Amirul Hajj of Ogun state, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun, who addressed the pilgrims before their departure,  counselled them to conduct themselves with utmost discipline and integrity, noting that they are not only representatives of Ogun State but also ambassadors of Islam and Nigeria as a whole.

In his words, “As you embark on this sacred journey to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, remember that you are ambassadors of Islam. Please ensure that you do not carry any prohibited items, refrain from any actions that may tarnish Nigeria’s reputation, and adhere to the travel cash limit regulations,” he advised.

Apelogun also emphasized the importance of obeying the directives of Muslim welfare officials to ensure a smooth and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage.

Concluding, he prayed heartily for the pilgrims, saying, "May your journey be blessed, and may you return with spiritual fulfilment and a sense of accomplishment,” he prayed.