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Tag: Lagos pilgrims

  • Hajj: Sanwo-Olu to bid pilgrims farewell on Sunday

    Hajj: Sanwo-Olu to bid pilgrims farewell on Sunday

    Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State will on Sunday bid farewell to the state’s contingents embarking on the holy pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

     Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, said that the event with the theme: ‘The position of Hajj in Islam’ will hold at De-Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV) Agidingbi, Ikeja.

    According to a statement released by the Public Affairs officer, Taofeek Lawal, the Board Secretary stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, are expected to grace the occasion.

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    Also expected are the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Chief of Staff (CoS), Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Head of Service (HoS) Mr. Shuaheeb Olabode Agoro, Chairman, House Committee on Home Affairs, Jibril Abdukareem and Commissioner for Home Affairs/Amir-ul-Hajj, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, amongst many other dignitaries.

    He emphasised that while the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Nollah would lead other Islamic clerics and Divisional Imams to offer special prayer for the intending pilgrims towards a successful Hajj exercise, Dr. Nuha Lawal-Jinadu, an Associate Professor of Arabic Language, Lagos State University (LASU) would speak on the theme.

    Ajomagberin urged all the intending pilgrims, their families, and friends to ensure that they attend the event in large numbers, stressing that officials of the state and federal government agencies would be in attendance to further enlighten them on what they needed to know about the spiritual journey and what they should avoid in their luggage.

    Meanwhile, the Central Working Committee (CWC) led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, has organised a special prayer session for the success of the 2025 Hajj operation, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration, and Nigerians in general.

    The prayer, held at the Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque, GRA, Ikeja, was led by the Chairman, Dawah subcommittee, Prof. Kabir Paramole with members of the CWC, staff of the Board, Ulamah, and Hajj guides in attendance.

  • Lagos pilgrims become JP, raise Nigeria’s flag in Israel

    Lagos pilgrims become JP, raise Nigeria’s flag in Israel

    Christian pilgrims to Jordan and Jerusalem on Thursday, February 13, 2025, received their certificates at Tabar Hotel, Nazareth, officially confirming them as Jerusalem Pilgrims (JP).

    The ceremony was a proud and memorable moment for Lagos pilgrims in Israel, as they sang the Nigerian National Anthem and joyfully hoisted the Nigerian flag alongside the Israeli flag.

    As part of their pilgrimage, the group visited significant biblical sites, including Mount Tabor, where the Transfiguration of Jesus took place, as well as the Mount of Beatitudes and Capernaum, known as the City of Jesus.

    Read Also: Adegbite urges Christian Pilgrims to embrace spirituality over material wealth

    Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Christian Matters, Bukola Adeleke, described the experience as a privilege, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the sites visited.

    He said, “One of the advantages of pilgrimage is the spiritual sites, and where we visited today is one of the sites that people love to visit, and our being here today is a privilege and we used the opportunity to pray for ourselves, Lagos State and Nigeria at large.”

    The pilgrims are expected to be back in Nigeria on February 17, 2025.  

  • Hajj 2024: 188 Lagos pilgrims arrive Nigeria

    Hajj 2024: 188 Lagos pilgrims arrive Nigeria

    One hundred and eighty-eight pilgrims from Lagos state arrived Muritala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) on June 23, from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The pilgrims include elders, those with health challenges and those who went with the state from the United States and Europe.

    The Amir-ul-Hajj and commissioner for home affairs, Ibrahim Layode, said the full flight of the state’s contingent would continue today (Monday).

    He added that it would run on ‘first-in, first-out basis’, which means that there won’t be preferential treatment for any pilgrims, except if occasion warrants it.

    He added that the status quo ante would remain until the last batch of pilgrims are airlifted back home.

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    While wishing them a pleasant journey mercy, Layode urged them to guide their new status jealousy, saying that as new Alhajis and Alhajas, they are like newly born babies without any sins.

    He added that in line with Islamic principle, their new status remains intact till at least 41 days if they can avoid committing sins.

    He also admonished them to allow the exemplary conducts they exhibited whilst in the Holy land reflect in their dealings with others in every sphere of human endeavors when they return to Nigeria, so that people can find them worthy of emulation.

    He appealed to those yet to be airlifted to exercise patience as necessary plans have been put in place to ensure that everyone is airlifted back to Nigeria within the shortest period of time.

    While reiterating his advice that the pilgrims should maintain the 32kg allowed for the main luggage by the airline, Layode warned them to desist from carrying water and any other liquid items in their luggage.

    He assured them that a five kilograms ZamZam water has already been transported to Nigeria for each of the pilgrims.

  • Hajj: 1,869 Lagos pilgrims in Mina for Hajj rites

    Hajj: 1,869 Lagos pilgrims in Mina for Hajj rites

    No fewer than 1,869  Lagos State pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have arrived Mina to begin the major Hajj rites.

    The state’s Home Affairs Commissioner who doubles as the Amir-ul-Hajj, Ibrahim Layode, said the pilgrims moved to Mina between tonight (Thursday) and the early hours of Friday.

    The pilgrims would proceed to the plain of Mount Arafah on Saturday.

    According to him, the pilgrims are  to depart from the plain of Arafah and proceed to Muzdalifah where they would observe both Solatul Magrib and Ishai, pick 49 pebbles each, relax briefly overnight after which they would move to the Jamarat on Sunday morning to throw pebbles.

    Layode emphasised that the throwing of pebbles exercise shall be performed for three days consecutively. He added that the pilgrims  would leave Mina in the evening and return to Makkah where they would stay till they are airlifted back to Nigeria.

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    The Amir-ul-Hajj appealed to the pilgrims to take advantage of the period to pray fervently for themselves, Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

    He stressed that Hajj is a lifetime opportunity for the pilgrims to seek Allah’s favour, forgiveness and mercy.

    He assured them that they would be accommodated in ‘Tent B plus’ which gives substantial comfort with provision of bed spread, pillow, duvet, rechargeable handfan,  umbrella and finger counter to be taken away by them as gift items.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic matters, Dr. Ahmad Jebe, praised the pilgrims for their patience, perseverance and understanding, saying that their conduct is very impressive and satisfactory. He prayed to Allah to accept all their supplications as act of Ibaadah.

    Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Chairman, Imam Shakiru Gafar, said that the main lessons Allah intended to teach  Muslims across the world is equality and endurance. He stated that every pilgrim, no matter his/her status, must put on the Ihram (two pairs of white clothes by males and long gown by women) while in Mina, Arafat and Musdalifah. This, he said, signifies equality and that no human being is superior to another before Allah.

    He encouraged them to be mindful of the significance of the Mina and Arafah events and see others as equal in every environment they may find themselves.

    The Board Secretary, Saheed Onipede, thanked Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their supports.

    Onipede urged the pilgrims to remember to pray for peace and tranquility for Lagos State in particular and Nigeria in general.

  • Lagos pilgrims blame board’s ‘insensitivity’ for colleagues’ death

    Lagos pilgrims blame board’s ‘insensitivity’ for colleagues’ death

    • Another hospitalised

    Some pilgrims have blamed the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board for the death of one of them in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. They accused the board of insensitivity to their plight.

    Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris died on Tuesday after he returned from Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.

    The 68-year-old from Somolu Local Government Area reportedly died after Solat Maghrib. He has since been buried in Makkah.

    A Board member, Waheed Shonibare, led other government officials and some pilgrims to observe Janaza for the deceased in Kaabah.

    The pilgrims accused the board of renting a building far from Haram (Holy Mosque) despite knowing that going to haram is a major requisite of Hajj rites.

    “While other states that are not as big as Lagos got buildings near Haram, Lagos couldn’t. We have elderly people who cannot walk long distances. Many of these old people trekked long distance to Haram after about eight hours journey from Madinah,” a pilgrim from Agege said.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to bid Lagos pilgrims farewell

    Another one said negligence of the board’s officials led to Idris’s death. According to her, the man was gasping for breath for over an hour with no ambulance to take him to the hospital.

    “We kept calling and crying for medical personnel but no one could attend to him. What happened to all those medical officers that came with the state to hajj?  We know everyone would die at the appointed time, but not due to negligence by those who should take care of the pilgrims,” she said.

    The Nation learnt that another pilgrim was rushed to the hospital yesterday.

    The Board’s Secretary, Saheed Onipede, admitted that the pilgrim’s death could not be unconnected with high blood pressure (BP) and stress during the tawaf.

    He extended the government’s condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.

    Onipede also appealed to pilgrims to exercise caution and not overstress themselves before the actual Hajj rites begin.

  • Lagos pilgrims receive luggage in Makkah

    Lagos pilgrims received their luggage at the weekend.

    Pilgrims came to the Lagos House 1, Makkah, to collect their luggage.

    Amirul Hajj Dr AbdulHakeem Abdul Lateef, had announced that luggage would be distributed on Saturday.

    He told pilgrims the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) had notified state boards their luggage were ready.

    He urged the pilgrims to ensure their luggage do not exceed 32 kilogrammes.

    Read Also: Amirul hajj urges pilgrims to obey hajj rules

    Lagos has started a sensitisation workshop ahead of the five-day hajj rites. The elderly are to get special treatment during the rites.

    Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee of State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Ahmed Jebe said the committee would create comfortable conditions for pilgrims.

    He urged pilgrims to prepare to be humbled by the diversity of people they come across in the journey, asking them to be patient in dealing with everyone.

    Jebe said the satisfaction lies in completion of the tasks and using the  lessons learnt to make the post-hajj life fruitful.

    The chairman called on pilgrims to dedicate their time to hajj rites and distance themselves from distractions.

  • Excitement as Lagos announces refunds of N315 million to pilgrims

    The intending pilgrims under the Lagos State Government could not hide their joy on Wednesday following the announcement of refunds of N315 million by the state government.

    At a seminar organised for the pilgrims at the Blue Roof, LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Wednesday, the Amirul Hajj, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, announced that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the refund of N141,000 to each of the 2,234 pilgrims.

    The announcement was greeted with “Allahu Akbar! and Sanwo-Eko!” among others from the pilgrims.

    According to Dr AbdulLateef, the governor is interested in the pilgrims’ happiness and welfare, hence the decision.

    The former Commissioner for Home Affairs said: “The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has asked state boards to refund N51,000 to each pilgrim. NAHCON took the decision following the outcries against the high rate of Hajj fee. We commend the NAHCON for ensuring that the price of hajj is brought down. But Lagos State, being a Centre of Excellence, has set another milestone for other states to emulate by further reduction of additional N90,000. We’ll be returning N141,000 instead of the sum of N51,000 to all our pilgrims who paid N1.4million. This can only be done by a government that has the interest of its citizens at heart and this is what Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has done.

    “The governor has given us the mandate of ensuring that the welfare of the pilgrims is safeguarded including their health and security within and outside the country. This is what we have taken on board.”

    The first batch of pilgrims would leave on July 10.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mrs Folasade Jaji, said the state pilgrims welfare board has made name for herself among for herself amongst the committee of pilgrims boards across the nation.

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    “It has over the years become a point of reference in the organisation of pilgrimage and welfare of pilgrims,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He hailed the leadership of the Home Affairs ministry and members of the board “for the marvellous job they have been doing over the years and for organising this pilgrimage seminar as a platform that will afford us the opportunity of discussing relevant issues, exchanging ideas and offering prayers to Allah for a successful journey to and from the Holy land.”

    He advised the pilgrims to obey the laws of Saudi Arabia, be orderly and avoid negative tendencies capable of tarnishing the good image of the state and the nation.

    Chief Imam of Lagos State Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla advised the pilgrims to be patient and obey the instructions of the boards’ officials in Saudi Arabia.

    “When you are going to a foreign land, you need a lot of knowledge about that country so as not to run foul of their laws. The pilgrims have to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations guiding hajj rites,” Sheikh Abou-Nolla said.

    Also yesterday, the State Government inaugurated the Adhoc Committee for the this year’s Hajj Pilgrimage with a charge to the members to ensure that the state sustains its enviable position as the best in the country.

    Deputy Governor Dr Kadiri Hamzat, who inaugurated the committee, urged the members to see to the welfare and safety of the 2,234 pilgrims and also ensure that the entire pilgrimage process is performed peacefully.

    He said they should consider the assignment as a serious job involving issues of welfare, safety and the array of logistics involved from Lagos to Mecca and back to the country.

    “You are to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims, transportation to and within the Holy Land, accommodation and feeding of the pilgrims are taken care of. Your duties as a committee commence from Nigeria till their return and end at the tendering of report and recommendation for improvement,” the deputy governor said.

    Earlier, Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye, said as part of the efforts to ensure an hitch-free hajj operation, the state Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board had organised series of activities which include seminar, talks, sensitisation, medical test amongst other exercises to prepare the pilgrims for the spiritual exercises.

    The event was witnessed by the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, and Secretary of the pilgrims’ Board Mr. Raman Ishola amongst others.

  • Lagos pilgrims return to Mecca

    After spending three days at Mina in Saudi Arabia, Lagos pilgrims will today return to Mecca in continuation of the major hajj rites.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef made this known yesterday while educating the pilgrims on the next activity after completing the rites in Mina.

    He said that all logistics had been put in place for a hitchfree journey.

    “We have arranged for buses that will take you back to Mecca as soon as you throw the third day pebbles. As such, you must have thrown 49 pebbles in three days as required by Allah and the next thing is to perform your Tawaful Infadah, then Safa and Marwa which are the climax of the hajj rites in Mecca,” he said.

    He explained that the third day pebbles must be thrown early in the day because if the sun sets and you are still in Mina, you will have to throw another stone on the fourth day.

    AbdulLateef said the pilgrims would start returning home from next week.

    “The first Lagos flight is most likely to depart Mecca on Tuesday, while others will take place depending on the schedule that will be released by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the government of Saudi Arabia”.

    As soon as the departure dates are announced, the pilgrims will perform the Tawaful Wadai which means farewell to Kabbah before leaving for home.

  • 1,273 Lagos pilgrims lands in Saudi Arabia

    About 1,273 of the 2,100 intending pilgrims from Lagos State have been airlifted to Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj, Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef said yesterday.

    They went aboard Med- View Airline in four flights.

    At a meeting with members of the state’s contingent at the Hajj Camp at the Old Secretariat, Ikeja GRA, AbdulLateef, who is the Amirul Hajj said the pilgrims board would be supported to do its duty.

    “So far, the Akinwunmi Ambode-led government is doing all within its legal framework to guard against any impediment that may cause unnecessary delay or inconvenience for Lagos pilgrims,” he said.

    The airlift, he said, would resume on Friday as scheduled by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Med-View Airline.

    Those already in Saudi Arabia are busy engaging in different stages of hajj, he said.

    “Some are partaking in visitation to historical sites in Medina, while others are going for Arabic classes organised by the board, lectures and other enlightenment programmes that will position the pilgrims better for the hajj.

    The commissioner assured the intending pilgrims of a stress-free hajj.

    “I am urging you to tolerate one another and remain steadfast in the acquired moral teachings designed to help you perform the hajj rites accordingly,” he said.

    The Amirul Hajj advised them to stay away from sun and take a lot of water while in Makkah, warning that only healthy persons can perform hajj successfully.

     

  • Medview Airlines air lifts 320 Lagos pilgrims to Mecca

    Medview Airline in the early hours of Thursday airlifted 320 Lagos State Pilgrims to Mecca from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

    The pilgrims were ferried by the B777-200ER, recently acquired by Medview ! Which took off from the hajj/cargo terminal about 7am.

    As early as 5.30 am, the pilgrims started boarding the airline’s newly acquired Boeing 777-200 and were done with boarding formalities before 6:00am.

    The airline is scheduled to airlift no fewer than 2,001 passengers from Lagos alone and has a total of 10,000 pilgrims of the 95,0000 pilgrims nationwide to be air lifted.

    Apart from Lagos pilgrims the airline will also be airlifting pilgrims from Kaduna, Maiduguri, Ilorin as well as pilgrims from Guinea Bissau and Niger according to the airline management.

    Executive Director, Business Development, Alhaji Isiaq Na’allah who spoke to reporters just before the takeoff of the flight said that Med-view will be airlifting its pilgrims on seven trips.

    Na’allah said, “We give praise to the almighty Allah for giving us the strength to start our airlift, this is the first flight we are doing this year and we are hoping to do about 10,000 pilgrims. We are airlifting our pilgrims from Lagos, Kaduna, Maiduguri and Ilorin.”

    “Obviously, it’s challenging if you look at the number of passengers we use to carry in such a short period, it is challenging and so you need a very high capacity aircraft, this is why we have brought this aircraft, it’s a triple seven(777) it’s a modern aircraft.

    This flight carries 323 capacity right now the Lagos people that are going now we have 320 . From Lagos state we have about 2000 passengers and we are going to do about 7flights for them.”

    On consistency he added,”The major source of our consistency is our ability to provide the desired services for our passengers, we give them the comfort when they are going and when they are coming back and also when they are there as much as possible we make sure they enjoy their stay.”