*Photo R-L: Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe; Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs/2026 Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode; Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Home Affairs, Hon. AbdulKareem Jubril and Board Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, during the One-Day Seminar organised for Lagos intending pilgrims at De-Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, today Tuesday, May 5, 2026*
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on intending pilgrims to this year’s hajj to go with the right Niyyah( intention) and
be guided by faith, humility, and total submission to the commandments of Allah.
Sanwo-Olu gave the admonision on Tuesday, 5th May, 2026, in his keynote address at a one-day workshop organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the 2026 Hajj .
The workshop had SIGNIFICANCE OF HAJJ IN THE LIFE OF A MUSLIM as its theme.
According to the Governor, “Hajj is the fifth pillar of slam, and it is a journey of faith, humility, and total submission to Him. It is not a vacation. It is an act of worship that tests your patience, your endurance, and your brotherliness. I urge you to go with the right Niyyah – a sincere intention to seek Allah’s forgiveness and return as better Muslims and better citizens.”
He further told them that “The Lagos State Government, through the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, remains fully committed to your safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment. This is why we do not take this seminar lightly. Over the years, we have worked to improve every aspect of the Hajj operation – from securing decent accommodation close to Haram in Makkah and Madinah, to ensuring efficient airlift, quality feeding, transportation, ziyyarah (visitation to historical sites) and access to medical care.”
The Governor assured that “The Amir-ul-Hajj/Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs and other officials have been working closely with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and the Saudi authorities to make sure Lagos pilgrims get the best arrangements possible. We will continue to intervene so that no pilgrim is left stranded or disadvantaged.”
The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode.
The Commissioner , who doubled as Amir-ul-Hajj stated that about 1,600 intending pilgrims would perform the Hajj rites from Lagos State this year and the state government has made copious provisions to ease their stay in the Holy land.
Layode declared 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 them.
He maintained that the State government remains committed to the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment of all the Intending Pilgrims, stressing that, it would continue to improve on its welfarism efforts.
Earlier the Chairman ad-hoc committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe appreciated the Lagos State Governor and his Deputy, Dr. kadiri Hamzat for prioritising the welfare of the pilgrims, while assuring that they would reciprocate these gestures with their good conduct at the Holy Land.
He also presented the chairmen of sub-committees of the 2026 Hajj to the intending pilgrims, assuring them that the sub-committees would work hard for their comfort during the spiritual exercise.
Read the full keynote address by the Governor below:
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY MR. BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWO-OLU, GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE AT THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR FOR 2026 HAJJ INTENDING PILGRIMS, ORGANIZED BY THE LAGOS STATE MUSLIM PILGRIMS WELFARE BOARD, ON TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026, AT DE BLUE ROOF, LAGOS TELEVISION (LTV) AGIDINGBI, IKEJA, LAGOS.
Protocol.
In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the merciful
As’Salam Alaykum Waramotullahi Wabarakatuh.
It gives me great joy to be with you today at this very auspicious and important seminar organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for our brothers and sisters who will, In Shaa Allah be embarking on the 2026 Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
First, let me congratulate all our intending pilgrims. 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 slam, and it is a journey of faith, humility, and total submission to Him. It is not a vacation. It is an act of worship that tests your patience, your endurance, and your brotherliness. I urge you to go with the right Niyyah – a sincere intention to seek Allah’s forgiveness and return as better Muslims and better citizens.
The Lagos State Government, through the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, remains fully committed to your safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment. This is why we do not take this seminar lightly. Over the years, we have worked to improve every aspect of the Hajj operation – from securing decent accommodation close to Haram in Makkah and Madinah, to ensuring efficient airlift, quality feeding, transportation, ziyyarah (visitation to historical sites) and access to medical care.
The Amir-ul-Hajj/Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs and other officials have been working closely with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and the Saudi authorities to make sure Lagos pilgrims get the best arrangements possible. We will continue to intervene so that no pilgrim is left stranded or disadvantaged.
Let me very clear on a few important matters. Hajj rites are physically demanding and the weather in Saudi Arabia can be extremely hot. Therefore, I urge you to take your health seriously. Ensure that you complete all medical screenings, take your required vaccinations, meningitis, oral polio, yellow fever, influenza, and any others stipulated by Saudi authorities. If you are on medication, carry enough for the entire trip and inform our medical team.
I must at this juncture, express my delight over the report that none of the 2025 pilgrims had any health issues. This was achieved because of our insistence that every intending pilgrim must undergo a comprehensive screening. I have no doubt that this 2026 Hajj exercise will also record similar result of no casualty for any of the pilgrims.
Dear pilgrims, I urge you to safeguard your documents, travel light, listen to your group leaders, the Board officials, and the clerics who will guide you through the rites. The rules set by the Saudi authorities are for your safety, obey them.
Beyond your spiritual obligation, remember that you carry the name of Lagos State and Nigeria with you. The way you conduct yourselves will speak for all of us. I implore you to be law-abiding, disciplined, and respectful of the culture and laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Avoid unnecessary arguments, political debates, or any form of protest. Hajj is not a platform for anything other than worship.
Look out for one another, especially the elderly, women, and those who may be frail. That is the Lagos spirit – community, compassion, and excellence.
As you stand on the plains of Arafah and make your supplications, I ask you to remember Lagos State and our dear country, Nigeria, in your prayers. Pray for peace in our communities, security across our land, and economic prosperity for our people. Pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and for all of us in leadership, that Allah continue to grant us the strength and wisdom to serve with justice and the fear of God.
The Amir-ul-Hajj, the Chairman and members of the Ad-hoc committee, Board Secretary, and the entire team of Lagos State, I thank you for your dedication to this assignment. To our intending pilgrims, I pray that Allah accepts your Hajj, grants you Hajj Mabrur, and returns you all safely to your respective families.
When you return, we want to hear from you. Tell us what worked and what we can improve upon. Your feedback helps us serve the next set of pilgrims better. May Allah make it easy for you, protect you, and bring you back home in good health. Aamin.
As’Salam Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
Governor of Lagos State
May 5, 2026
