Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially bidden farewell to 1,432 intending pilgrims embarking on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The Governor, represented by the Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, addressed the pilgrims during a special one-day seminar and prayer session organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Highlighting the profound spiritual and logistical significance of the Hajj, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised its importance as the fifth pillar of Islam, demanding complete submission, purification, and physical and mental preparedness.
In a move to prioritize the well-being of the pilgrims, the State Government implemented a free, comprehensive, and compulsory medical screening conducted across ten decentralized locations.
This initiative, coordinated by Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, included vital health assessments and essential vaccinations administered by the Port Health Services.
He acknowledged the substantial financial investment of N8,784,085.59 by each pilgrim, assuring them of a comprehensive Hajj package designed to provide excellent value.
This includes quality accommodation in close proximity to the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, comfortable lodging in Mina and Arafah, air-conditioned transportation for Ziyarah to historical locations, and daily nutritious local cuisine adhering to health and religious standards.
Also, the Governor announced the provision of a dedicated medical team available for emergencies and routine care throughout the pilgrimage. “Trained personnel will be on-site to offer guidance and support to the pilgrims. He added that the welfare provisions, the cost of the Hadiyah ram has been covered by the state, and pilgrims will receive the monetary equivalent for their Ihram clothing in Saudi Riyals.
Sanwo-Olu urged the intending pilgrims to serve as exemplary ambassadors for Nigeria, maintaining high ethical standards and avoiding any actions that could tarnish the nation’s reputation. He stressed strict adherence to all rules and regulations in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, cautioning against the severe consequences of non-compliance.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs further elaborated on the Governor’s comprehensive support, which includes free medical screenings, Ihram clothing, transportation within Saudi Arabia, and a cash allowance in Saudi Riyals to buy meal to break their fast during their stay in Mina.
The Commissioner also conveyed the Governor’s request for prayers for Nigeria, Lagos State, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s success in the 2027 presidential election.
He added that Lagos State first batch will depart Nigeria today, May 12, 2025. ” The intending pilgrims to arrive at the secretariat by 6.am.
The NAHCON Southwest Commissioner, Alhaji Tajudeen Abefe, underscored the sacrificial nature of the pilgrimage and implored the Lagos pilgrims to uphold their renowned discipline and remain law-abiding.
He advised them to focus on completing the Hajj rites, obey their supervisors, prioritize prayers, and remember to pray for the nation and its leaders.
Representing the NDLEA, Aminu Shinkafi warned against the global issue of drug misuse and urged pilgrims to avoid carrying luggage for others to prevent potential imprisonment for contraband.
He specifically prohibited kola nuts and emphasized the importance of respecting the laws of both countries.
Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Home Affairs, Abdulkareem Jibril, called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Islam, focusing on their sole intention to worship Allah.
He stressed the importance of maintaining good health for fulfilling their religious obligations.
Representative of Medical Team,
Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, advised pilgrims with pre-existing health conditions to inform the medical team before departure.
She cautioned against the extreme heat in Saudi Arabia, recommending ample hydration, fruit consumption, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. She also reminded them that sleeping pills are prohibited.
