As the 2025 Hajj season approaches, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Lagos State’s intending pilgrims to uphold the highest standards of character and discipline during their time in Saudi Arabia.
EpeInsights reports that the Governor was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), at a farewell seminar organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The event held at Lagos Television’s Blue Roof in Ikeja, brought together hundreds of Muslims preparing for the sacred journey.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of being good ambassadors of both Lagos State and Nigeria.
He warned against involvement in any illegal activities such as unauthorised movements, smuggling, or unauthorized trading, noting that such actions could lead to serious consequences including fines, detention, deportation, or bans from future pilgrimages.
“You must obey all rules and regulations both here and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Your conduct reflects not just on you as individuals, but on our state and country as a whole,” the governor said.
On a brighter note, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Lagos State Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, announced that 1,432 pilgrims from Lagos would be performing Hajj this year.
He also shared some good news: Governor Sanwo-Olu has approved several welfare packages for the pilgrims to ease their journey.
These include; payment for the hadiyah (sacrificial ram), funding for ziyarah (visits to historic Islamic sites in Makkah and Madinah) and monetary allowance for ihram clothing, which will be given to pilgrims on arrival in the Holy Land.
Pilgrims were advised not to pay anyone for these services, as the state government has already covered the costs.
The governor’s generosity, Layode said, should be met with heartfelt prayers for the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Lagos State government and all well-wishers.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, thanked the attendees for showing up in large numbers and introduced the Hajj guides, scholars, and support staff who will accompany the pilgrims on their spiritual journey.
The seminar featured lectures and practical advice from experts, including representatives of the NDLEA, Nigerian Customs, NAHCON, and medical personnel
The sessions focused on key topics such as the significance of Hajj in Islam, health and safety during pilgrimage, and strict warnings about banned substances and items.
