By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, CON Yesterday 3rd, May 2026 offered prayers and words of encouragement to the first batch of pilgrims airlifted from the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, directly to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.
Describing the moment as historic, the governor noted that the pilgrims were not only the first group to depart from the Gateway International Airport to Saudi Arabia, but also the inaugural international passengers to travel from the facility. He further highlighted that the pilgrims boarded the largest aircraft ever to land on the airport’s runway, underscoring its expanding capacity and alignment with global aviation standards.
Governor Abiodun emphasised that the development represents more than a routine journey, describing it as a significant milestone born out of vision, sacrifice, and sustained commitment. He added that the commencement of direct flights to Medina reflects the tangible progress achieved through collaboration and resilience, opening new opportunities for the people of Ogun State.
The governor reiterated that the milestone strengthens the state government’s strategic vision of positioning the Gateway International Airport as a key hub for international travel and pilgrimage operations within the South-West region of Nigeria.
