Pray for peace, prosperity of Nigeria — Sanwo-Olu tells Pilgrims
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to pray for peace, security, and economic prosperity in Nigeria as they embark on the spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia.
The Governor gave the charge during a one-day seminar organised for the pilgrims at the Lagos Television Blue Roof Hall, Ikeja, by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, Sanwo-Olu described Hajj as a sacred exercise centred on prayer, devotion, and submission to Allah, urging the pilgrims to take advantage of the spiritual atmosphere to intercede for Lagos State and the nation.
He emphasised that Hajj, being one of the five pillars of Islam, is not a leisure trip but a solemn act of worship that requires patience, discipline, and unity.
“As you stand on the plains of Arafah, remember Lagos State and Nigeria in your prayers. Pray for peace in our communities, security across the land, and economic prosperity for our people,” he said.
The Governor also called on the pilgrims to pray for the leadership of the country, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking for divine guidance and wisdom in governance.
He further urged them to be good ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria by conducting themselves in line with the laws and cultural expectations of Saudi Arabia, while avoiding actions that could undermine the purpose of the pilgrimage.
In his remarks, Layode, who also serves as Amir-ul-Hajj, disclosed that about 1,600 pilgrims from Lagos State would participate in this year’s Hajj.
He added that the state government had made adequate welfare provisions, including the payment for hadiyah (sacrificial ram), ziyarah (visitation to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah) and monetisation of ihram clothing.
Layode reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment of the pilgrims.
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 Governor and his deputy, Dr Kadiri Hamzat, for prioritising pilgrims’ welfare.
He assured that the pilgrims would reciprocate the government’s support by maintaining good conduct throughout their stay in the Holy Land.