History was made in Ogun State on Tuesday as the newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport commenced its first international operation with the airlifting of Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The development marked both the official commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations in the state and the first international flight from the airport since its inauguration by Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 4, 2026.
Speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the inaugural flight as a landmark achievement and a major step in the state’s drive toward global connectivity and economic expansion.
According to the governor, the 4,600-kilometre non-stop journey from Iperu to Saudi Arabia symbolised resilience, determination and teamwork in the realization of the airport project.
“What we celebrate today goes far beyond the arrival and departure of an international aircraft. It is a testament to focus, determination, resilience, commitment, sacrifice and above all, teamwork,” Abiodun said.
He noted that the airport would open new opportunities for commerce, investment and international engagement, while also strengthening transportation infrastructure within the state.
The governor thanked President Tinubu for his support and interventions that facilitated the timely completion of the airport project, adding that the long-held dream of establishing a state-owned airport had finally become a reality.
Abiodun also commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for designating the airport as one of the centres for Hajj operations, saying the investment in world-class aviation facilities had begun to yield positive results.
He urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly during their stay in Saudi Arabia by obeying the laws of the host country and avoiding acts capable of tarnishing the image of Ogun State and Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Hajj Operations, Alhaji Olarenwaju Elegushi, said the use of the airport had significantly reduced the stress associated with transporting pilgrims from Ogun State to Lagos.
Elegushi disclosed that the airport had become the first state-owned airport in South-West Nigeria to secure approval for unrestricted Hajj operations, praising the Ogun State Government for providing modern aviation facilities.
He assured pilgrims that adequate arrangements had been put in place to ensure their comfort and welfare throughout their stay in Mecca and Medina.
Also speaking, the Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, described the pilgrimage as a sacred spiritual exercise and urged pilgrims to uphold discipline and integrity while in the Holy Land.
The Olowu of Owu Prof. Saka Matemilola, said the airport would ease the burden of Hajj operations for pilgrims in the state, while the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, described the inaugural flight as a dream fulfilled for many Muslim faithful.
Speaking on behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu expressed gratitude to God for making them part of what he described as a historic moment in the state’s history.
The pilgrims departed aboard a Max Air aircraft for Saudi Arabia at about 10:45 p.m.
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