By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. 428 Ogun Pilgrims Airlifted: Flynas XY9072 departed Jeddah to Lagos at 12:22hrs with 428 pilgrims. NAHCON confirms total airlift now at 4,366 and Total Flights: 11 as at today.

2. Ondo’s first batch of 316 pilgrims will leave Saudi on June 20. Pilgrims reminded to stick to 32kg luggage limit. Each will receive 5L Zamzam on arrival in Ilorin.

3. UMZA Airlifts 445 Pilgrims from Jeddah to Abuja: Flight UY3453 departed Saturday at 19:40hrs with 445 pilgrims and 29 officials, 444 from Nasarawa and 1 from Niger.

4. NAHCON, States’ Forum Hail MashariqAt a farewell event in Makkah, NAHCON Chair Prof. Saleh and State Boards praised Mashariq Al Dhahabia for top-notch services and thanked President Tinubu for support.

5. NAHCON Officials Tour Hira Cultural District: Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, NAHCON Chairman, and other state board officials visited the Hira Exhibition Centre, hosted by Mashariq Al Dhahabia. FCT Director Malam Kadiri Edah was among dignitaries in attendance.

6. Kaduna Pilgrims Warned on Luggage Rules: The Kaduna Pilgrims Welfare Agency has cautioned pilgrims against violating luggage guidelines. Chair of the Weighing Committee, Prof. Mustapha Gwadabe, reminded pilgrims of the 32kg + 8kg limits, prohibited items, and penalties for non-compliance.

7. AHUON Pilgrims Arrive Lagos Safely: The Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) confirmed safe arrival of its pilgrims aboard a UMZA flight at Lagos airport. The group appreciated Allah and stakeholders for a successful 2025 Hajj.

8. Smoke Scare on Saudia Flight in India: Emergency teams responded swiftly at Lucknow airport on June 15 when smoke and sparks were seen from a Saudia Airlines Hajj flight’s wheels. Passengers were safely evacuated; no injuries reported.

9. Hajj for Persons with Disabilities Initiative Marks 5th Year: The Social Responsibility & Voluntary Work Administration has celebrated its fifth year of facilitating Hajj for pilgrims with disabilities. The 1446H programme ensured inclusive and dignified participation through specialized services.

10. Saudi Hajj Minister Reassures Iran on Pilgrims’ Return: Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj, in a call with Iran’s Hajj head Dr. Alireza Bayat, confirmed the safety and efficiency of return arrangements. Iran expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for the care shown.

11. Bahrain Crown Prince Praises Saudi Hajj Leadership: HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met with Bahrain’s Hajj Mission. He commended HM King Hamad’s support for pilgrims and praised Saudi Arabia’s exceptional capabilities in hosting Hajj 1446H.

12. Sudan, Niger, and Chad are among the few African countries where land-based Hajj groups still exist in small numbers, especially for the very poor.

13. Today, Yemen and Jordan have land border pilgrimages where thousands cross into Saudi Arabia via dedicated Hajj routes.

14. Fun fact: Egyptians traditionally travelled by sea from Port Suez to Jeddahfor Hajj before air travel took over. Some still make sea journeys via ferries.

15. Fun fact: Despite modern advances, hundreds of Sudanese pilgrims still embark by sea from Sawakin Port, preserving their tradition.

16. Fun fact: Pilgrims returning via land are provided with Hajj exit kits, including hydration packs, light meals, and travel guidance by various agencies.

17. Fun fact: At some borders, such as Al-Haditha, pilgrims are given souvenir Qur’ans, water, and snacks as part of a goodbye package by Saudi authorities.

18. Fun fact: The last pilgrim convoys via land and sea usually depart Saudi by mid to late Muharram, sometimes extending beyond that due to logistical or political delays.