The first batch of 388 Lagos’ intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on Monday departed the state.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the pilgrims left the pilgrims and cargo terminal, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on board a FLYNAS airline Airbus A330-300 with registration number XY8410.

It said the airline took off at exactly 5:42 p.m., Nigerian time on Monday, with 167 males and 221 females.

The commissioner for home affairs, Ibrahim Layode, among other government functionaries, was present at the airport to bid farewell to the intending pilgrims.

Mr Layode urged the intending pilgrims to prioritise their spiritual growth by being focused and performing all the Hajj rites as prescribed by the Holy Prophet.

According to Mr Layode, the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is passionate about their well-being and comfort, hence, the series of largesse and free medical screening exercises organised for them in 10 different locations across the state.

He urged them to be good ambassadors of the state by obeying the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia and acting as responsible citizens of Nigeria throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

The board secretary, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, called on pilgrims to shun any act that would tarnish the image of the state and Nigeria in general and encouraged them to be law-abiding.

He disclosed that the transportation of other pilgrims would continue on Tuesday as scheduled by NAHCON.

He added that a break would be on Wednesday, while the exercise would continue on Thursday through Saturday.

According to him, Saturday’s flight to Saudi Arabia will be the last for the exercise.

(NAN)