The Lagos State Government has confirmed that the first batch of 388 intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj has successfully departed for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to an official statement released on Tuesday, the pilgrims departed from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at exactly 5:42 p.m. on Monday aboard a FLYNAS Airbus A330-300, flight number XY8410.

The group comprised 167 male and 221 female pilgrims who were seen off by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, alongside other senior government officials.

In his address to the departing pilgrims, Layode urged them to remain spiritually focused and ensure full compliance with the rites of Hajj as prescribed by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Commissioner emphasized Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's commitment to the welfare of all pilgrims, highlighting recent support initiatives that included extensive medical screenings conducted across 10 locations within the state to ensure pilgrims' readiness for the journey.

"Conduct yourselves with discipline and integrity," Layode advised the pilgrims, urging them to be exemplary representatives of both Lagos State and Nigeria by adhering strictly to the laws and customs of Saudi Arabia.

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, also addressed the group, encouraging them to avoid any conduct that could bring disrepute to the state or country.

Ajomagberin disclosed that the airlift of subsequent batches of pilgrims would continue as scheduled by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), with flights resuming on Tuesday. He added that operations would pause on Wednesday and resume from Thursday through Saturday, with Saturday's flight marking the conclusion of the Lagos airlift exercise.