IPERU-REMO — There was a palpable sense of spiritual fervor and “New Ogun” pride last night as the Gateway International Airport finally shed its “under construction” tag to become a bustling portal to the world. In a vibrant display of faith and modern logistics, over 300 Ogun State pilgrims became the first set of international passengers to take off from the newly minted tarmac in Iperu-Remo, bound for the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Gone are the days when Ogun pilgrims had to endure the long, often exhausting road trips to Lagos to catch their flights. The “Gateway” lived up to its name, offering a streamlined experience that felt less like a transit and more like a celebration. Under the watchful eye of Governor Dapo Abiodun—who appeared visibly moved by the milestone—the first batch of 345 pilgrims boarded a sleek FlyNas aircraft, marking a total shift in the region’s travel culture.
“It’s about dignity,” said one pilgrim as she boarded. “To leave for the Holy Land from my own backyard is a blessing I didn’t expect to see this year.”
The flight landed in Saudi Arabia at the crack of dawn today, with the King Abdulaziz International Airport authorities receiving the Nigerian contingent with the standard warmth reserved for the first arrivals. Back home, the mood remains celebratory. The Lagos Times understands that the successful operation is being viewed as a “threat” to the long-standing monopoly of Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport for Hajj traffic in the region.
The state government has turned the airport into a temporary camp, ensuring pilgrims are processed with a level of hospitality that mirrors a boutique hotel more than a government facility. For the “Gateway State,” this isn’t just about Hajj; it’s a stylish announcement to the world that Ogun is open for business, one flight at a time. As the pilgrims begin their rites in Medina, the ripples of this takeoff are sure to be felt across the Nigerian aviation landscape for months to come.
