Governor urges sick persons to shelve Hajj plans
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has advised intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj to ensure that they are healthy before embarking on the pilgrimage.
Sanwo-Olu gave the advice on Tuesday at the First Family of Lagos State and the Ministry of Home Affairs Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The event, which was held at the Lagos House Marina, had the theme: ‘My Lord, Indeed I am for Whatever Good you would Send Me’.
He stressed that it would be better for anyone with sickness to stay back and pray for the country than risk going to the holy land with sickness.
The governor also urged the residents to continue to thank the almighty for rebirth, growth and collective development due to the just-concluded Ramadan fast.
Sanwo-Olu 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.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In her address, the wife of the governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, appealed to residents of the state to show compassion for the underprivileged in their communities.
“As we partake in the celebration, let us remember the underprivileged 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.
Similarly, the guest speaker at the occasion, Munirudeen Ar-Riyardy from the Lagos State University of Education, urged Nigerians to desist from cursing their leaders.
“Today’s lecture is about the 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 state Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, called on Lagos residents to be good to one another.
