Earlier, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, said the Hajj exercise remainsed a rare privilege that required total devotion to Almighty Allah by all pilgrims.

He urged the pilgrims to continue to engage in prayers for Nigeria, particularly for peace and socio-economic development, during their spiritual journeys in the Holy Land.

Ododo also called for prayers for the President and Vice President as they steer the country toward a greater Nigeria through the ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, expressed profound gratitude of the FCT Administration to the President and the Vice President for their guidance and support in strengthening institutional coordination across the board. She noted that the FCT Administration remained committed to ensuring that every pilgrim being airlifted has a seamless experience to and from the Holy Land.

Also, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, represented by Captain Mamud Abdullahi, said while Hajj was a sacred journey, the ministry was poised to ensure that every pilgrim experienced safety and comfort. He explained that the Federal Government was collaborating with all relevant agencies to guarantee ease of operations across all airports.