…as Governor Adeleke commends the team.
By Alabi Olawale
The Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has lauded the seamless airlift of 1,221 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, marking a significant achievement for the state.
The final batch of pilgrims including the Osun Pilgrims Welfare Board Chairman and Amirul Hajj, Dr. Moruf Olawale Ishola,the executive secretary,Mr Muritala Fakunle and 9 officials aboard Flyna Airline with registration number XY8420 departed from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja in Lagos on Saturday, May 17,2025 at exactly 16:56hrs.
Dr. Ishola,who praised the board’s officials on behalf of the governor for their meticulous planning and execution, ensured that pilgrims received value for their investments. “The governor commends your dedication to securing quality accommodations at competitive rates and collaborating with the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to provide nutritious meals. Other states have adopted our model, reflecting Osun’s leadership,” Dr. Ishola stated during a farewell address at the Lagos Hajj camp.
Emphasising the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage, Dr. Ishola urged pilgrims to adhere to Islamic teachings and seek guidance from clerics and officials throughout their journey. “Hajj is an act of worship, not a tourist venture. Follow instructions diligently and prioritise your spiritual duties,” he advised.
Adding to the accolades, the Executive Secretary of the Osun Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Muritala Fakunle, highlighted the unprecedented success of this year’s airlift compared to previous exercises. “This year’s operation was marked by enhanced coordination, timely logistics, and zero delays—a stark contrast to past challenges. Our collaboration with NAHCON, early preparation, and the governor’s proactive support were pivotal. Pilgrims were comfortably airlifted in record time, reflecting our commitment to excellence,” Fakunle noted.
He further revealed that feedback mechanisms from prior Hajj exercises were instrumental in addressing past shortcomings, particularly in accommodation standards and catering services. “We listened to pilgrims’ concerns and implemented changes, resulting in higher satisfaction rates this year. Our goal is to sustain this momentum for future pilgrimages,” he affirmed.
With all pilgrims now in Saudi Arabia, the state government reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring a spiritually fulfilling and hassle-free Hajj experience, underscoring Osun’s growing reputation for efficient pilgrimage management.
