As the spiritual journey of Hajj 2025 progresses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Lagos State contingent has earned high praise for its conduct and discipline.
EpeInsights gathered that the commendation came from the Commissioner for Operations at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, who visited the Lagos pilgrims’ camp in Mina over the weekend.
Elegushi, who joined a special prayer session organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, applauded the pilgrims for their calm and peaceful behavior, describing it as exemplary and worthy of emulation.
“Lagos pilgrims have conducted themselves with dignity and discipline,” he noted.
“I urge you all to remain peaceful as plans are in motion to return everyone home safely.”
Beyond Hajj matters, the NAHCON Commissioner used the opportunity to voice strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms.
He credited the administration’s bold decisions like fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira with helping Nigeria avoid deeper economic crises.
“Yes, the reforms came with challenges, but we are beginning to see results,” Elegushi said.
“Prices of food and essential items are gradually coming down, and we urge traders, transporters and service providers to reflect this improvement in their pricing.”
Speaking earlier, the Amir-ul-Hajj and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, emphasized the purpose of the special prayer session: to thank Allah for His protection throughout the major Hajj 2025 rites and to seek His continued guidance for Nigeria’s leaders.
He reassured the pilgrims of their safe return, outlining the next steps of the Hajj rites.
After completing the final stage of throwing pebbles at the Jamarat (on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah), the pilgrims would return to Makkah for the Tawaful Ifadah and the Sai between Safa and Marwa before settling into their hotels to prepare for departure.
Layode also announced the tentative return dates of June 15 or 16 and issued a gentle but firm reminder on luggage limits. Each pilgrim is permitted 32kg of check-in luggage and 8kg of hand luggage.
Exceeding this could mean paying out-of-pocket or losing the excess items.
Team Effort Behind the Scenes
The prayer event was attended by key government officials and support staff who have played crucial roles in the smooth coordination of Lagos State’s Hajj operations. These included:
- Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, Special Adviser on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the Central Working Committee
- Prof. AbdulKabir Paramole (Dawah and Sensitisation)
- Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar (Mina and Arafah)
- Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin (Board Secretary)
- Dr. Faosat Dabiri (Medical)
- Alhaji Yusuf Ara (Bags and Luggage)
- Alhaji Waheed Sanni (Transportation)
- Alhaji AbdulWaheed Shonibare (Airlifting and Manifest), among others
Their tireless efforts continue to ensure that Lagos pilgrims not only fulfill their spiritual obligations but do so with comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.
