Nigeria, May 8 -- The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the inaugural flight for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage will depart from Owerri, Imo State, on 9 May, with Governor Hope Uzodimma as the host.

According to a Wednesday statement by the commission's spokesperson, Fatima Usara, 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa are scheduled to board the Air Peace airline for the trip.

"Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour," she said.

Ms Usara also said NAHCON's advance team arrived in Owerri on Wednesday to monitor preparations for the event.

"Four flights are scheduled to take off simultaneously on May 9 for the pilgrimage.

"The flights are expected as follows ...