Ogun State's Gateway Airport Launches Hajj Operations

Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, has officially begun its Hajj operations, facilitating the airlift of the first batch of 345 pilgrims. These pilgrims, alongside officials from the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport on Monday, October 4, at 15:00 Nigerian time.

Upon arrival, they underwent immigration and security procedures in an orderly manner before being transported to their accommodations in Medina. Governor Dapo Abiodun noted that this inaugural flight covered a distance of 4,600 kilometers nonstop and reflects the administration's commitment to infrastructure and economic expansion.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in completing the airport on time. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, emphasized the importance of discipline among pilgrims.

The Gateway International Airport is the first state-owned facility in Southwest Nigeria to handle Hajj operations, significantly easing logistics and reducing travel time for pilgrims.