Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to offer prayers for peace, security, and prosperity in Lagos State and Nigeria.
The governor gave the charge at a one-day seminar for intending pilgrims held at the Lagos Television Blue Roof, Ikeja, organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Hajj as a spiritual journey centred on devotion, discipline, and prayer, urging participants to maximise the opportunity.
He reminded the pilgrims that the exercise is not a vacation but an act of worship that requires humility, patience, and total submission to Allah.
“As you stand on the plains of Arafah and make your supplications, remember Lagos State and Nigeria. Pray for peace in our communities, security across the country, and economic prosperity for our people,” he said.
The governor also urged the pilgrims to pray for national leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for wisdom and strength in governance.
He further advised them to be good ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria by conducting themselves responsibly and adhering to the laws and customs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Your conduct reflects on all of us. Be disciplined, respectful, and avoid actions that could distract from the purpose of the pilgrimage. Hajj is strictly for worship,” he added, while encouraging them to support one another, especially the elderly and vulnerable.
Speaking, Mr Layode, who also serves as Amir-ul-Hajj, disclosed that about 1,600 pilgrims from Lagos State are expected to participate in this year’s exercise.
He said the state government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure their comfort, including the payment for hadiyah (sacrificial ram), provision for ziyarah (visits to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah), and monetisation of ihram clothing.
Layode reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare, safety, and spiritual fulfilment of all pilgrims, noting that efforts would continue to improve service delivery.
Earlier, Chairman of the ad-hoc committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, commended the state government for prioritising the welfare of pilgrims.
He assured that the pilgrims would reciprocate the government’s support with exemplary conduct throughout their stay in the Holy Land.