Taiwo Jimoh 
The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged 1,800 Hajj pilgrims from the state to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and the state.
Sanwo’Olu said this on Thursday at the one-day seminar for 2024 hajj intending pilgrims in Lagos held at LTV Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The first batch of pilgrims from the state are to leave Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today, Thursday, May 15.
Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro SAN, Sanwo-Olu, who said that Lagos pilgrims have a record of good behaviour at the Hajj over the years, cautioned those going for the rites this year to emulate those who have gone before them.
He promised to take over the payment of sacrificial lambs, visits to holy sites, and spiritual clothing for all the 1,800 pilgrims from the state.
“You have listened to admonitions from different speakers. Be good ambassadors of Nigeria and Lagos State.
“Do not carry hard drugs, bitter cola, and all that they have told you not to take with you in your luggage,” he said.
He added that necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure that our local delicacies are served during breakfast and dinner on daily basis at the holy land.
He said: “We have assembled a team of medical professionals that will see to your medical needs and challenges. All these measures are put in place to cushion the huge sum of money on you.
“I want to urge you to remember our beloved country in your prayers and refrain from speaking negatively about the country and the leaders. Pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State and peace and security in the country at the holy land.”
The event witnessed a special lecture by Sheikh AbdulRahman Lukman, Chief Imam, Igbogbo Central Mosque, Ikorodu, who reminded the pilgrims that Hajj pilgrims are one of the pillars of Islam.
“Not everyone who desires it got the opportunity you have to participate in this year’s Hajj. So, I urged you to see it as a rare privilege to be closer to Allah,” he said.
He tasked them to make sure that they take good of their wives or husbands and children and to leave for them wealth enough to sustain the family throughout the time they are away in Saudi Arabia.
Other dignitaries at the event include the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, Board Chairman, Imam (Engineer) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, and Special Adviser to the governor on Islamic matters, Dr Ahmed Abdullahi Jebe.
