Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has enjoined the state intending pilgrims embarking on the 2025 holy pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the State, to uphold the highest standards of character and conducts, during their stay in the holy land.
The Governor stated this in his keynote address, at the One-Day Seminar organized for the intending pilgrims by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, at the Lagos Television De-Blue Roof, Ikeja, on Sunday.
The Governor who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, urged them to be good Ambassadors of our great country and avoid narratives that could tarnish the image of the state and Nigeria.
He said, “I enjoin you to eschew illegal activities such as unauthorized movements, smuggling or commercial dealings. It is extremely important that you obey all rules and regulations here and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.
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The Governor made it clear that defying these instructions comes with serious consequences, including fines, detention, deportation, or even bans from participation in future pilgrimages, adding that compliance would ensure their safety, preserves the integrity of their pilgrimage and help in maintaining a positive image as a responsible and law-abiding state.
The Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode disclosed that no fewer than 1,432 intending pilgrims would perform the Hajj rites from Lagos State. He also announced series of largesse Governor Sanwo-Olu has provided for their comfort whilst in the Holy land.
He emphasized that the Governor has graciously approved the payment of hadiyah (sacrificial) ram, ziyarah (visitation) to historical sites in both Makkah and Madinah as well as monetizing the Ihram clothing for each of them, saying the money for the Ihram clothing would be given to them in the Holy land. He advised them not to pay money to anybody for all the aforementioned services, saying the Governor had taken care of them.
He urged them to reciprocate these kind gestures by praying for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State as well as their families and friends.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Islamic Matters and Chairman, Central Working Committee (CWC), Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe appreciated the intending pilgrims for turning out for the Seminar in large numbers.
He thereafter introduced members of the CWC, Coordinators, Ulamah and Hajj guides to the intending pilgrims for recognition purposes. He added that they would be available to provide them necessary support and guidance in the performance of the spiritual rites. The Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin moved the vote of thanks.
Highlights of the Seminar which was organized to bid farewell to the intending pilgrims was the lecture on the topic: ‘The position of Hajj in Islam’, delivered by Dr. Nuha Lawal-Jinadu, Associate Professor of Arabic language, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. Representatives of NDLEA, Nigerian Customs, NAHCON, Medical team, etc. also gave series of advice to the intending pilgrims, particularly on avoiding prohibited/banned items and taking their health seriously while on the sacred journey.
