On June 7, 2025, a high-powered delegation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) conducted the annual post-Hajj visitation of pilgrims exercise to pilgrims from the South West and Armed Forces of Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.
The exercise is conducted annually to listen to the observations and recommendations of pilgrims and to also advise them on their return journey.
The visit was led by the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, and Compliance, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, and covered pilgrims from the South West states of Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos and the AFN at their Muna tent.
The Group C delegation included the Board Member representing the South West, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe; Director of Inspectorate and Compliance, Alhaji Alidu Shittu; Special Adviser to the Commissioner for Operations, Alhaji AbdulGafar Odunola; Personal Assistant to the Commissioner, Yusuf Abba; Ilorin Zonal Coordinator, Yinka Kabiru Lawal; Lagos State Zonal Coordinator, Mustapha Wasiu Adetoro; members of the Ulama and Media Teams; and other NAHCON staff.
Speaking on behalf of the NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, Elegushi expressed appreciation to the South West pilgrims for their exemplary conduct during the 2025 Hajj.
He encouraged continued cooperation with the Nigerian government to foster national development, likening it to the progress witnessed in Saudi Arabia.
He also urged prayers for the President and appreciation for the NAHCON leadership and South West coordinators.
The Commissioner advised pilgrims to adhere strictly to luggage limits of 32kg for checked-in baggage and 8kg for hand luggage, warning that any excess will be removed by NAHCON officials.
He emphasised that additional baggage should be sent through authorised cargo services.
In his remarks, the Majority Leader of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewunmi Kofoworola Babajide, appealed for increased government support to enable more Nigerians to perform Hajj through sponsorship initiatives.
The Chairman of the Osun State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Maruf Olawale Ishola, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the state.
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A NAHCON Board Member, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe, cautioned pilgrims against including Zamzam water in their luggage, assuring them that the water has been dispatched to all arrival centres in Nigeria for distribution upon arrival.
Abefe reminded pilgrims to apply the lessons learnt during the Hajj in their daily lives and to return home with a renewed commitment to godliness and moral transformation.
Elegushi further announced that the return airlift of pilgrims to Nigeria will commence on June 13, 2025.
He advised state officials to prioritise elderly pilgrims during return arrangements due to their health and physical needs.
The Director of Inspectorate and Compliance, Alhaji Alidu Shittu, congratulated the South West pilgrims on a successful Hajj and encouraged continued prayers for Nigeria and their families.
During the visit, spiritual uplift was provided through a lecture by Alhaji Abdulhakeem Anofi and a Quran recitation by Alfa Oba Abdulkadir.
Alhaji Sanu Shehu of the NAHCON Ulama Team also delivered an inspiring lecture, urging pilgrims to reflect positive changes in their lives upon returning home.
All South West states officials expressed heartfelt gratitude to NAHCON for the visit and the attention given to their pilgrims.
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