The first batch of 423 intending pilgrims from Lagos State embarked on their journey to Saudi Arabia on Friday for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

The pilgrims were bid farewell at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Jalal Arabi, along with other officials.

In his address to the pilgrims, Arabi emphasised the rare opportunity they have been granted.

“For you to be called to perform Hajj, you must be extraordinarily lucky.

“Allah has given you the opportunity. It may be your last opportunity, to some it may be the beginning. So what do you do when you have the last opportunity? It is to utilize it so well,” he said.

Arabi implored the pilgrims to make Nigeria proud by abiding by the laws of Saudi Arabia. “Do the dos and don’t do the don’ts. If you stay on that path, you have no cause to worry,” he advised.

Encouraging a harmonious relationship with the officials, Arabi appealed, “Don’t fight or quarrel with the officials. When there are issues, such must be settled amicably without rancour because we are all human.”

Before their departure, Arabi wished the pilgrims a safe journey and urged them to pray for the country and its leaders, especially President Bola Tinubu, whose intervention made the 2024 Hajj exercise possible for Nigerians.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Layode, expressed appreciation on behalf of the intending pilgrims for Arabi’s show of love and his admonitions.