Hajj 2026: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Join 1,600 Lagos Pilgrims in Arafah Prayer

Hajj 2026: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Join 1,600 Lagos Pilgrims in Arafah Prayer 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a heartfelt display of leadership and spiritual solidarity, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, joined the 1,600 Lagos pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a solemn prayer session on the plains of Mount Arafah on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — the most critical day of the annual Islamic pilgrimage. The Governor and his Deputy made separate video calls to the state’s pilgrims as they gathered at the sacred site, marking the spiritual climax of Hajj 2026. The Day of Arafah, observed on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, is when pilgrims seek divine mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who initiated the first video call, congratulated the pilgrims on successfully reaching Mount Arafah and prayed for a rewarding and accepted Hajj. He also offered prayers for their safe return to Nigeria after the completion of all religious rites. “May Allah accept your prayers and grant you all a safe journey back home,” the Governor was quoted as saying during the call. Dr. Hamzat, in his own video address, prayed for the pilgrims and urged them not to take the privilege of performing Hajj for granted. He described the pilgrimage as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual opportunity that must be guarded jealously. “This is a rare blessing. Use it wisely to pray for yourselves, your families, and the peace of Lagos State and Nigeria,” Hamzat told the pilgrims.

Pilgrims Pray for Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Victory, Tinubu Re-Election – In a touching show of reciprocity, the Lagos pilgrims expressed deep appreciation for the video calls. They offered prayers for the continued success of the Sanwo-Olu administration, for Dr. Hamzat’s anticipated victory as the incoming Governor of Lagos State, and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections. The pilgrims, many of whom were moved to tears by the gesture, described the calls as unprecedented and a clear demonstration of a leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens even in the Holy Land.

Governor’s Gift: 200 Saudi Riyals for Each Pilgrim – In a related development that further underscored the state government’s commitment, the Lagos State Government gifted each of the 1,600 pilgrims 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately N70,000). This was disclosed on Saturday by the Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, during a pre-Mina-Arafah special prayer session organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Makkah. Hon. Layode informed the pilgrims that, apart from paying for their Hady (sacrificial ram) and Ziyarah (visitation to historical sites in both Madinah and Makkah), the monetary gift from the Governor and his deputy would cover the refund for Ihram clothing and provide a stipend for the Arafah Day observance. “The Governor ensured the money was released and brought to the Kingdom. This is proof of his love and commitment to your comfort and well-being,” Layode stated.

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Officials Praise Pilgrims’ Good Conduct – Speaking on the overall conduct of the state’s contingent, Amir-ul-Hajj Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat for connecting with the pilgrims virtually, stressing that the gesture showed their compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the 1,600 Lagos pilgrims. Layode also commended the pilgrims for their exemplary good conduct throughout the Hajj operations so far. Layode further confirmed the return schedule for the pilgrims. According to him, the airlifting of Lagos pilgrims back to Nigeria will begin on June 6, 2026, in strict compliance with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) timetable. He assured that all 1,600 pilgrims would be airlifted within one week, with no pilgrim left behind.

Saudi Authorities Commended for Improved Facilities – The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, praised the Lagos pilgrims for being orderly, law-abiding, and maintaining the high standards expected of them. He also thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat for finding time to call and pray for the pilgrims, noting that the gesture had significantly boosted their morale. Dr. Jebe also commended the Saudi Arabian authorities for notable improvements at the Arafah camps this year. He highlighted the provision of more functional air conditioners, additional toilet facilities, and adequate water supply as key upgrades that made the pilgrims’ stay more comfortable despite the intense heat.

Hajj Operation Seamless, Says Board Secretary – On his part, the Board Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, appreciated the State Government for making the entire Hajj operation seamless and convenient for the pilgrims. He listed several programmes put in place by the government to ensure a stress-free exercise, including free medical screening for all pilgrims before departure, inoculation against infectious diseases, payment for Ihram clothing, payment for Hady ram (sacrificial animal), visa processing, and other logistical arrangements. Mr. Ajomagberin added a strong endorsement for the state’s Hajj services, saying: “For us in Lagos State, we are very proud of the Governor and the Deputy. We are encouraging those who want to perform the 2027 Hajj to patronise Lagos, because we have the expertise and the record is there for everyone to see.”

Key Takeaways from the 2026 Lagos Hajj Operation – The Lagos State Government’s comprehensive support for the 1,600 pilgrims included full coverage of Hady ram, Ihram clothing, visa processing, and medical screenings. The pilgrims observed the spiritual climax of Hajj at Mount Arafah on May 26, 2026, and are scheduled to return to Nigeria beginning June 6, 2026. Each pilgrim also received a cash gift of 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately N70,000). Facility upgrades at the Arafah camps, including improved air conditioning, additional toilets, and adequate water supply, were also noted by state officials.

Hajj 2026: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Join 1,600 Lagos Pilgrims in Arafah Prayer