Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged intending pilgrims from Lagos State participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise to pray fervently for peace, security, and economic prosperity in Nigeria during their pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Eko Hot News reports that the governor gave the charge during a one-day seminar organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board at the Lagos Television De-Blue Roof for intending pilgrims preparing for the 2026 holy pilgrimage.
Represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Hajj as a spiritual journey centred on faith, humility, endurance, and total submission to Allah.
He urged the intending pilgrims to use the sacred opportunity to seek forgiveness and pray for the progress of Lagos State and Nigeria, particularly for peace, national security, and economic growth.
The governor also called on the pilgrims to remember Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders in their prayers, asking for divine wisdom and strength for them to govern with justice and the fear of God.
Sanwo-Olu further advised the pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors of Lagos State by obeying the laws and respecting the culture of Saudi Arabia throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
According to him, the pilgrims should avoid unnecessary arguments, political debates, and any activities capable of distracting them from the true purpose of Hajj, while also caring for one another, especially the elderly and vulnerable.
Speaking further, Layode, who also serves as Amir-ul-Hajj, disclosed that about 1,600 intending pilgrims from Lagos State would participate in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He revealed that the Lagos State Government has made several provisions to ensure the comfort and welfare of the pilgrims, including the approval of hadiyah (sacrificial ram), ziyarah visits to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah, and monetisation of the Ihram clothing for each pilgrim.
Layode assured that the state government remains committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment of all pilgrims while continuously improving welfare packages for participants.
Earlier, the Chairman of the ad-hoc committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Kadiri Hamzat for prioritising the welfare of intending pilgrims.
He assured that the pilgrims would reciprocate the government’s support with exemplary conduct during their stay in the Holy Land while also introducing the chairmen of various sub-committees overseeing the 2026 Hajj operations.
