The Lagos State Government has fulfilled its commitment to the state’s 1,600 pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The disclosure was made on Saturday by the Amir-ul-Hajj and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, during a special pre-Mina and Arafah prayer session organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Makkah.
The prayer session was held to seek Allah’s mercy, protection, and favour for the pilgrims ahead of their movement to Mina for the commencement of the main Hajj rites.
Addressing the pilgrims, Layode said Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat had fulfilled their promise to support the pilgrims by covering the cost of their Hady (sacrificial ram) and Ziyarah (visitation to historical sites) in both Madinah and Makkah.
He further disclosed that each pilgrim would receive a monetary gift of 200 Saudi Riyals from the Governor and his deputy. According to him, the funds would also cover refunds for Ihram clothing and provide stipends for Arafah Day.
Layode noted that the Governor ensured the funds were released and delivered to Saudi Arabia as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the comfort and welfare of Lagos pilgrims.
He described the gesture as an effort to encourage the pilgrims towards a spiritually rewarding and acceptable Hajj exercise.
The Amir-ul-Hajj also urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly by exhibiting discipline, patience, and endurance throughout the pilgrimage. He encouraged them to offer prayers for the continued progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, briefed the pilgrims on the schedule and significance of the major Hajj rites.
Jebe explained that the rites would take place across the holy sites of Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Jamarat. He said the pilgrims would depart Makkah for Mina on Sunday, ahead of the commencement of the rites on Monday, the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
According to him, the pilgrims are expected to proceed to Mount Arafah on Tuesday, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, before moving to Muzdalifah after completing the Arafah rites. There, they will observe Maghrib and Isha prayers and collect 49 pebbles for the symbolic stoning of Shaytan at Jamarat between the 10th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
He emphasised that participation in the activities at these sacred sites constitutes a fundamental aspect of the Hajj pilgrimage and urged the pilgrims to remain physically prepared to perform the rites in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Jebe also appealed to the pilgrims to be law-abiding, comply with instructions from officials, and avoid any conduct capable of tarnishing the image of Nigeria and its citizens.
The prayer session was led by the Chief Missioner of the Ikwan Muslim Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Lawal.
Among those in attendance were the Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, members of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, pilgrims, and other stakeholders.
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