Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged the state pilgrims embarking on the 2025 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to uphold the highest standards of character and conducts during their stay in the holy land.
Sanwo Olu stated this in his keynote address at a day seminar organized for the intending pilgrims by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, at the Lagos Television complex, Agidingbi today.
The Governor who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, urged pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country and eschew narratives that could tarnish the image of the state.
He said, “I enjoin you to eschew illegal activities such as unauthorized movements, smuggling or commercial dealings. It is extremely important that you obey all rules and regulations here and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.
The Governor stressed that defying his advise “comes with serious consequences, including fines, detention, deportation, or even bans from participation in future pilgrimages.”
He added that compliance would ensure their safety, preserves the integrity of their pilgrimage and help in maintaining a positive image as a responsible and law-abiding state.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Olanrewaju Layode disclosed that no fewer than 1,432 pilgrims would perform the 2025 Hajj rites from the state.
He furnished the pilgrims with series of largesse the State Governor has provided to enhance their comfort in Saudi Arabia.
He pointed out that the Governor has approved the payment of hadiyah (sacrificial) ram, ziyarah (visitation) to historical sites in both Makkah and Madinah as well as monetizing the Ihram clothing for each of pilgrims.
He added that the money for the Ihram clothing would be given to pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. He advised them not to pay money to anybody for all the aforementioned services, stressing that the Governor had made financial provisions for them.
