Hope, devotion, and excitement filled the air on Friday as 1,622 Nigerian pilgrims embarked on their spiritual journey to Madinah for the 2025 Hajj, marking the start of a deeply significant chapter in their lives.
The emotional send-off began in Owerri, Imo State, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima officially flagged off the inaugural flight, blessing the pilgrims as they set out to fulfill one of Islam’s core pillars.
According to Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the pilgrims were airlifted through four initial flights from Bauchi, Kebbi, Imo, and Lagos by MaxAir, Flynas, and Air Peace.
For many, the journey represents more than travel—it is a moment of spiritual rebirth, communal unity, and personal reflection, as thousands of Nigerians prepare to join Muslims from across the globe in worship and sacrifice in the Holy Land.
“On Friday, MaxAir flight VM3001 departed Bauchi to Madinah at 11:53hrs with 539 Bauchi pilgrims and six Officials.
“Flynas flight XY8066 departed Kebbi to Madinah at 18:29hrs with 420 Kebbi pilgrims and one official,” he said.
Muhammed said that the inaugural flight began with Air Peace flight APK 7900 which departed Owerri to Madinah at 19:36hrs with 240 pilgrims and four officials.
He said that Flynas flight XY8016 also departed Lagos to Madinah at 19:39hrs with 423 Osun pilgrims.”
