Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged the state’s 2025 Hajj pilgrims to maintain discipline and represent Nigeria with honour as they embark on their sacred journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), at a one-day seminar held at De-Blue Roof, Ikeja, the Governor cautioned the intending pilgrims against engaging in illegal activities such as unauthorised movements, smuggling, or commercial dealings. He stressed that any violation could attract serious penalties, including detention, deportation, or future bans from the pilgrimage.
“I enjoin you to eschew illegal activities… and obey all rules and regulations here and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Sanwo-Olu said, warning that failure to comply could tarnish the image of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
To ease their journey, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr. Ibrahim Layode, announced a series of provisions approved by Governor Sanwo-Olu. These include the payment for hadiyah (sacrificial) ram, ziyarah (visits to Islamic historical sites in Makkah and Madinah), and monetary compensation for Ihram clothing.
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Layode emphasised that pilgrims should not pay anyone for these services, as all costs had been covered by the Governor. He encouraged them to show appreciation by praying for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State, and their loved ones.
Guidance and Education
Dr. Abdullahi Jebe, Special Adviser on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the Central Working Committee (CWC), introduced the pilgrims to their coordinators, clerics, and Hajj guides who will support them throughout the spiritual rites.
The seminar also featured a lecture titled “The Position of Hajj in Islam” by Dr. Nuha Lawal-Jinadu, an Associate Professor of Arabic at Lagos State University. Officials from the NDLEA, Nigerian Customs, NAHCON, and the medical team offered practical advice, particularly on health precautions and avoiding prohibited items.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin.
