* Kogi pilgrims lead inaugural flight as Sultan of Sokoto, Gov Ododo, Aviation Minister, others to attend
Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to officially flag off the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj today, Sunday, May 3, at the Pilgrims Terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The ceremony, initially planned to hold in Iperu, Ogun State, has been relocated to Abuja as final preparations are concluded for the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims from Kogi State are expected to be among the first batch to be airlifted.
According to the programme, activities will commence at 2:30 p.m. with the arrival of dignitaries, followed by an opening prayer led by the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ismail Abba Yusuf, will deliver the welcome address, while goodwill messages are expected from the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Chairman of the House Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage, Jafaru Mohammed Ali; and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Abubakar Sani Bello.
Also scheduled to speak is the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, while the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, will deliver the keynote address.
Vice President Shettima is expected to perform the official flag-off of the inaugural flight at about 3:20 p.m., marking the commencement of the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The event will conclude with a closing prayer and the rendition of the national anthem.
Our correspondent gathered that during the 2025 Hajj season, about 1.67 million pilgrims performed the pilgrimage, a figure that serves as a benchmark for expectations in 2026, as Saudi authorities continue to refine operational planning.
Sponsored Event
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
