Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged intending pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to dedicate prayers towards the peace, security, and economic prosperity of Lagos State and Nigeria.
The Governor made the call during a one-day seminar organised for the 2026 Hajj intending pilgrims by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board at the Lagos Television Blue Roof, Ikeja.
Represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Layode, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Hajj as a sacred spiritual exercise centred on prayer, devotion, humility, and total submission to Allah.
He congratulated the intending pilgrims for being among those chosen to undertake the holy pilgrimage, urging them to approach the exercise with sincerity and a desire for spiritual renewal.
“As you stand on the plains of Arafah and make your supplications, I ask you to remember Lagos State and our dear country, Nigeria, in your prayers. Pray for peace in our communities, security across our land, and economic prosperity for our people,” the Governor said.
He also appealed to the pilgrims to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leaders at all levels for wisdom and strength to govern with justice and the fear of God.
Sanwo-Olu further charged the pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and uphold the image of Lagos State and Nigeria while in Saudi Arabia.
“Beyond your spiritual obligation, remember that you carry the name of Lagos State and Nigeria with you. I implore you to be law-abiding, disciplined, and respectful of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s culture and laws,” he stated.
The Governor warned against engaging in unnecessary arguments, political debates, or protests during the pilgrimage, stressing that Hajj should remain solely an act of worship.
He also encouraged the pilgrims to care for one another, particularly the elderly, women, and vulnerable persons, noting that compassion and community spirit define Lagosians.
Speaking at the seminar, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr. Ibrahim Layode, disclosed that about 1,600 intending pilgrims from Lagos State would participate in this year’s Hajj exercise.
Layode said the state government had put in place adequate measures to ensure the comfort and welfare of the pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
According to him, Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the payment for hadiyah (sacrificial ram), ziyarah (visitation to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah), as well as the monetisation of Ihram clothing for each pilgrim.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment of all pilgrims, adding that efforts would continue to improve their welfare.
Earlier, the Chairman of the ad-hoc committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Hamzat for prioritising the welfare of pilgrims.
Jebe assured the government that the pilgrims would reciprocate the gesture through good conduct during the pilgrimage.
He also introduced members of the various sub-committees for the 2026 Hajj operation, assuring intending pilgrims that the committees would work diligently to ensure a smooth and comfortable spiritual exercise.
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