Lagos State government through the Ministry of Home Affairs has declared the return of all 1,315 pilgrims that participated in the just concluded Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr Ibrahim Layode described the conduct of the Y2025 Hajj exercise as successful and hitch-free as he responded to questions from journalists during the arrival of the last batch of 224 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Good conducts
Speaking about the conduct of the pilgrims, Layode emphasised that all the State pilgrims exhibited exemplary conduct whilst in the Holy land, stressing that they obeyed all the instructions and guidelines given to them before leaving Nigeria. He described them as worthy Ambassadors of the State and Nigeria in general.
He also expressed his gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their support to the State pilgrims and necessary provisions they made toward ensuring a successful exercise.
Compulsory medical screening
He particularly mentioned the free and compulsory medical screening sponsored by the Governor and his deputy, saying that the comprehensive screening gave the State the opportunity to ascertain their medical status and how to manage them.
He said, “The free medical screening was unprecedented. So far so good, none of our pilgrims has any serious medical challenge, as they were all in good condition of health and medically fit throughout the spiritual journey”. He added that pilgrims would be looking forward to such kind gesture during the next exercise in 2026“.
Appreciating God
The Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, expressed gratitude to God for protecting the pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia for the spiritual exercise.
He also commended the pilgrims for their peaceful conduct as well as government officials and other stakeholders for their support, as the 2025 exercise came to a conclusion.
In appreciation, some of the pilgrims expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Allah, the state government and other officials for catering for their welfare in the Kingdom as they adjudged the state as one of the best in Hajj operations.
Lateefah Ibrahim