Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on intending pilgrims from Lagos State participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to pray for the unity, peace, and economic growth of both the state and the country during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The appeal was made during a one-day seminar organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board at the Lagos Television Blue Roof, where officials reviewed preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage exercise, according to a statement shared on the Lagos State government’s X handle on Thursday.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Ibrahim Layode, congratulated the pilgrims on being selected for the spiritual exercise.
“You are among the few that Allah has chosen this year to answer His call to the Holy Land. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and it is a journey of faith, humility, and total submission to Allah,” he said.
The governor reminded the pilgrims that Hajj should be approached as an act of worship rather than recreation, stressing the importance of patience, endurance, and devotion throughout the exercise.
“It is not a vacation. It is an act of worship that tests your patience, your endurance, and your brotherliness,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu further urged them to remember Nigeria and Lagos State in their prayers, especially during significant moments of worship such as the gathering at Arafah.
“As you stand on the plains of Arafah and make your supplications, I ask you to remember Lagos State and our dear country, Nigeria. Pray for peace in our communities, security across our land, and economic prosperity for our people,” he said.
He also appealed to the pilgrims to pray for national leaders, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking that they be granted wisdom and strength in leadership.
The governor advised the intending pilgrims to maintain discipline and represent Lagos State positively while observing the pilgrimage rites in Saudi Arabia.
“The way you conduct yourselves will speak for all of us. Be law-abiding, disciplined, and respectful of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s culture and laws,” he cautioned.
He also warned them against engaging in political discussions, protests, or unnecessary disputes during the pilgrimage.
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“Avoid unnecessary arguments, political debates, or any form of protest. Hajj is not a platform for anything other than worship,” he stressed.
Sanwo-Olu equally encouraged unity among the pilgrims and urged them to look out for one another, particularly the elderly and vulnerable participants.
Speaking at the event, Layode disclosed that approximately 1,600 pilgrims from Lagos State are expected to take part in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
According to him, the state government has introduced several welfare measures to improve the comfort of the pilgrims, including provisions for sacrificial rams (hadiyah), guided tours to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah, as well as financial support for Ihram garments.
“The state government remains committed to the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment of all our intending pilgrims,” Layode said.
He added that efforts would continue to be strengthened to ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience for all participants.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 2026 Hajj ad-hoc committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, commended the state government for its support towards the exercise.
“We thank His Excellency and the Deputy Governor for their continuous commitment to the welfare of pilgrims. We assure you that all arrangements will be implemented effectively,” he said.
Jebe also presented the heads of the various sub-committees overseeing the pilgrimage operation and assured intending pilgrims of a well-coordinated and comfortable Hajj exercise.