The Lagos State Government has fulfilled its pledge to the 1,600 pilgrims currently performing the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by presenting each pilgrim with 200 Saudi Riyals.
The Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, announced this 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 and protection for the pilgrims ahead of their movement from Makkah to Mina for the commencement of the main Hajj rites.
Layode explained that, in addition to paying for the pilgrims’ Hady (sacrificial ram) and Ziyarah tours to historical sites in Madinah and Makkah, the monetary gift from Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat would cover refunds for Ihram clothing and provide stipends for Arafah Day.
According to him, the governor ensured the funds were released and delivered to Saudi Arabia as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the comfort and welfare of Lagos pilgrims.
He urged the pilgrims to remain disciplined, patient and law-abiding throughout the exercise, while also praying for Lagos State and Nigeria.
The Amir-ul-Hajj further called on the pilgrims to pray for the success of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat in the 2027 Lagos governorship election and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, explained that the major Hajj rites would take place at Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah and Jamarat.
He said pilgrims would depart Makkah for Mina on Sunday ahead of the commencement of the rites on Monday, the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, before proceeding to Mount Arafah on Tuesday, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
Jebe added that after the Arafah rites, pilgrims would move to Muzdalifah for prayers and the collection of pebbles for the symbolic stoning of Shaytan at Jamarat between the 10th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
He advised the pilgrims to preserve their health, obey officials and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of Nigeria.
The prayer session was led by the Chief Missioner of the Ikwan Muslim Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Lawal, and attended by the Board Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, members of the Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, pilgrims and other stakeholders.
Reporting by Abdullahi Taoreed