Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has cautioned intending pilgrims against embarking on the 2025 Hajj if they are not in good health, urging those who are ill to stay back and pray in Nigeria instead of making the journey.
The governor made the call at the First Family of Lagos State and the Ministry of Home Affairs Eid-el-Fitr celebration at Lagos House, Marina.
The event, which held under the theme; ‘My Lord Indeed I Am for Whatever Good You Would Send Me’, marked the conclusion of the Ramadan fast and a time for reflection.
He said: “By May, those travelling to Mecca will begin to travel. Please ensure you are in good health. If you are ill, refrain from travelling for the 2025 Hajj; stay back and pray here in Nigeria.”
Sanwo-Olu congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and prayed for continued peace and unity.
“I pray that God will continue to keep us in peace and unity. We will continue to witness Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. I thank all our religious leaders for teaching us more about the holy book. I wish us more celebrations in good health,” he said.
The Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, also urged residents to show kindness to one another.
“Show empathy, show compassion, be good to your neighbours, and continue to have faith in the Almighty’s goodness,” he said.
Wife of the governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, called on residents to show compassion towards the less privileged.
“As we partake in the celebration, let us remember the less privileged among us and extend a helping hand to them. True worship goes beyond ritual; it reflects on how we treat one another and how we contribute to the betterment of our State and our nation. I encourage us to renew our faith in Nigeria and remain steadfast in our prayers,” she said.
A guest speaker at the event, Dr Munirudeen Ar-Riyardy of Lagos State University of Education, advised Nigerians to avoid sin and remain steadfast in faith to attract God’s grace.
“Today’s lecture is about trials of life and how to maintain our faith in God no matter the challenges. We shouldn’t curse our leaders; we should avoid sin,” he said.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, also encouraged Muslims to live according to the tenets of Islam.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion, Alhaji Abdullah Jebe; and the Grand Imam of Lagos State, Shaykh Suliamon Abu-Nolla, among others.