...As return flights begin June 6

Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat made separate video calls to the state’s pilgrims as they performed the core Hajj rite on Mount Arafah.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who called first, congratulated the pilgrims on reaching Arafah and prayed for a rewarding and accepted Hajj. He also prayed for their safety on the return journey.

Deputy Governor Hamzat prayed for the pilgrims and urged them not to take the privilege for granted, describing Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be guarded jealously.

The pilgrims expressed appreciation for the calls and prayed for the success of the Sanwo-Olu administration, for Dr. Hamzat’s victory as the incoming Governor, and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with the press, Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode thanked the Governor and Deputy Governor for connecting with the pilgrims. He said the gesture showed their compassion and commitment to the welfare of the 1,600 Lagos pilgrims.

Layode also commended the pilgrims for their good conduct and adherence to officials’ instructions. He noted that the pre-departure orientation in Nigeria had reflected positively in their behaviour in the Holy Land.

On the return schedule, Layode confirmed that Lagos pilgrims will begin their homeward journey on June 6, in line with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s timetable. He assured that all pilgrims would be airlifted within a week.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, praised the pilgrims for being orderly and law-abiding. He thanked the Governor and Deputy Governor for finding time to call and pray for them, saying the pilgrims were elated by the gesture.

Dr. Jebe commended Saudi authorities for improvements at the Arafah camps, including more functional air conditioners, toilets, and adequate water supply.

Drawing a comparison, he said Saudi citizens respect their laws, while the reverse is often the case in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to be law-abiding, obedient to constituted authority, self-disciplined, and to change their attitudes, warning that no country can develop where citizens disregard the law.

For his part, Board Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, said Arafah Day marks a significant milestone in a Muslim’s life and that Allah is pleased with His creation at this moment.

He appreciated the State Government for making the Hajj operation seamless and convenient. He cited free medical screening, inoculation, payment for Ihram clothing and Hady ram, and visa processing as programmes put in place to make the exercise stress-free for Lagos pilgrims.

He added: “For us in Lagos State, we are very proud of the Governor and the Deputy. We are encouraging those who want to perform the 2027 Hajj to patronise Lagos, because we have the expertise and the record is there for everyone to see.”