2024 HAJJ: SANWO-OLU TASKS INTENDING PILGRIMS ON EXEMPLARY CONDUCT
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu has urged the Y2024 Hajj intending pilgrims to exhibit exemplary conduct and be good ambassadors of Nigeria in the Holy Land.
The Governor stated this in his speech delivered at 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 Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, admonished them to be above board in their conduct.
He said, “Conduct yourselves with respect and avoid behaviours 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, cola nut, 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 authorised the payment of your sacrificial 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 the Commissioner for Home Affairs/Amir-ul-Hajj and his team should, on behalf of the State Government, work hard to provide outstanding service to the pilgrims whilst in Saudi Arabia.
While appealing to them to pray for Nigeria as well as the success of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, he also urged them to pray for peace, tranquillity 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 Themes Plus agenda and other initiatives aimed at improving the well-being 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 among those who 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 ensure that they follow every instruction given to them by the officials.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Board Chairman, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar stressed that the One-Day Seminar was organised to adequately prepare the intending pilgrims for the holy pilgrimage and broaden their knowledge to achieve 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 about the Hajj and be conscious of His punishment when they go against His commandments.