Pray for Nigeria’s peace, Sanwo-Olu urges intending pilgrims
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday charged intending pilgrims embarking on the 2026 holy pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to actively participate in prayer sessions for the prosperity of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge during a one-day seminar held at the Lagos Television De-Blue Roof, Ikeja, for 2026 Hajj intending pilgrims, organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, said the Hajj exercise revolves around intense prayer sessions, urging pilgrims to use the opportunity to fervently pray for the state and the nation at large.
He congratulated the intending pilgrims, noting that they were among those chosen by Allah to perform the sacred duty this year. He added that Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is a journey of faith, humility and total submission to God, and not a vacation, but an act of worship that tests patience, endurance and brotherhood.
Sanwo-Olu urged the pilgrims to proceed with sincere intentions to seek Allah’s forgiveness and return as better Muslims and citizens. He also asked them to remember Lagos State and Nigeria in their prayers while in the Holy Land.
“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,” he said.
He also called for prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders, asking that God grant them wisdom and strength to govern with justice and the fear of God.
Earlier, the Chairman of the ad hoc committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, appreciated the governor and his deputy, Dr Kadri Hamzat, for prioritising the welfare of pilgrims, assuring that the pilgrims would reciprocate the gesture through good conduct in the Holy Land.
