Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat have wished Lagos State pilgrims a rewarding and accepted Hajj.
Sanwo-Olu sent his wish and prayers via a video call, congratulating the pilgrims on reaching Arafah, the peak of Hajj rites, on Tuesday.
According to a statement by the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board’s Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal, the governor prayed for the pilgrims’ safety on their return journey.
In a separate video call, Dr. Hamzat prayed for the pilgrims and urged them not to take the privilege for granted, describing Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, hence the need for it to be guarded jealously.
In their response, the pilgrims expressed appreciation for the calls and prayed for the success of the Sanwo-Olu administration, Dr. Hamzat’s victory as the incoming governor, and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general election.
Briefing the press, the Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, thanked the Governor and his Deputy for connecting with the pilgrims, affirming that the gesture showed their compassion and commitment to the welfare of the 1,600 Lagos pilgrims.
Layode also commended the pilgrims for their good conduct and adherence to officials’ instructions, noting that the pre-departure orientation in Nigeria had reflected positively in their behaviour in the Holy Land.
On the return schedule, Layode confirmed that Lagos pilgrims will begin their homeward journey on June 6, 2026 in line with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s timetable, assuring that all pilgrims would be airlifted within a week.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, praised the pilgrims for being orderly and law-abiding.
Jebe thanked the Governor and his Deputy for finding time to call and pray for them, saying the pilgrims were elated by the gesture.
He commended Saudi Arabia authorities for improvements at the Arafah camps, including more functional air conditioners, toilets, and adequate water supply.
Drawing a comparison, he said Saudi citizens respect their laws, while the reverse is often the case in Nigeria, urging Nigerians to be law-abiding, obedient to constituted authority, self-disciplined, and to change their attitudes, warning that no country can develop where citizens disregard the law.
On his part, the Board’s Executive Secretary AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, said Arafah Day marks a significant milestone in a Muslim’s life and that Allah is pleased with His creation at this moment.
Ajomagberin appreciated the State Government for making the Hajj operation seamless and convenient, citing free medical screening, inoculation, payment for Ihram clothing and Hady ram, and visa processing as programmes put in place to make the exercise stress-free for Lagos pilgrims.
He added: “For us in Lagos State, we are very proud of the Governor and the Deputy.
“We are encouraging those who want to perform the 2027 Hajj to patronise Lagos because we have the expertise and the record is there for everyone to see.”
