The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu has urged the 2024 Hajj intending pilgrims to exhibit exemplary conduct and be good ambassadors of Nigeria in the holy land.
The Governor stated this in his speech, during a one-day seminar with the theme, ‘Significance of Hajj in the lifetime of man’, organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board at the De-Blue roof, Lagos Television (LTV) Ikeja, on Thursday.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Attorney General and Hon. Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, admonished them to be above board in their conduct.
He said, “Conduct yourselves with respect and avoid behaviors that could tarnish the image of our state and our nation. Obey all regulations guiding your stay, refrain from carrying prohibited items such as hard drugs, kolanut, bitter kola, etc., and avoid money laundering activities”.
Sanwo-Olu said that he was aware of the significant financial commitment made by the pilgrims for the hajj, particularly under the current economic climate. While noting that the hajj fees set by Saudi Arabia could not be controlled, he gave assurances that they would get value for the money spent.
He said, “To ease the financial burden, I have authorized the payment of your sacrificaial ram (Hadiyyah), visits to historical sites (Ziyyarah) in Makkah and Madinah and the monetization of your Ihram clothing”, adding that the steps were taken to ensure a comfortable and well-supported hajj experience.
The Governor who noted that the state has a well-deserved reputation for exceptional hajj operations, expressed his determination to sustain the standard with their cooperation and support.
He also urged that the Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs/Amir-ul-Hajj and his team to on behalf of the State Government work hard to provide outstanding services to the pilgrims whilst in Saudi Arabia.
While appealing to them to pray for Nigeria as well as the success of Preaident Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, he also urged them to pray for peace, tranquility and progress of the state, even as his administration continues to strive towards ensuring the delivery of dividends of democracy through the implementation of its agenda and other initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of its citizens.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Amir-ul-Hajj and Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, announced that 1,854 intending pilgrims would be performing this year’s hajj through the state.
He congratulated them for being counted amongst those that would answer the call of Allah (hajj) this year, despite the several increments in the hajj fare.
Layode assured them of the state’s preparedness to provide a seamless, stress free and comfortable atmosphere to perform the hajj rituals in the holy land. He also urged them to prepare for the journey with Takwah (fear of God) and ensue that they follow every instructions given to them by the officials.
In his welcome address, the Board Chairman, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, stressed that the one-day seminar was organized to adequately prepare the intending pilgrims for the holy pilgrimage and broaden their knowledge for the purpose of achieving an acceptable hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on the theme, the guest lecturer and Chief Imam of Ansar-ud-Society of Nigeria, Igbogbo branch, Ikorodu, Sheikh AbdulRasaq Lukman, charged government officials, pilgrims and every stakeholder to fear Allah with regards to the hajj and be conscious of His punishment when they go against His commandments.
The event was graced by government officials such as, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Hon. Jubril AbdulKareem; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi and Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe.
Also in attendance were board members, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Olohuntoyin Abou-Nolla (represented), divisional Chief Imams and many others.
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