The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Lagos State contingents to this year’s Holy Pilgrimage converged at the plains of Arafat in Saudi Arabia to hold special prayers, seeking Allah’s intervention on various issues plaguing the nation.
Led by revered Nigerian scholars, the prayers were offered for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
NAHCON Chairman, Prof Saleh Usman, thanked Allah for the Nigerian pilgrims’ journey so far.
He said Allah has helped the commission to surmount various challenges.
He said the day of Arafat and at the plains of Arafat are particularly unique for acceptance of prayers.
He urged the Ulama and the generality of Nigerian pilgrims at Arafat to supplicate for divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.
The commission chief emphasized the importance of prayer, describing it as a special tool for national transformation.
He urged Nigerian pilgrims to continue interceding for the country throughout the Hajj, noting that the challenges facing the nation require both practical solutions and spiritual support. He also praised the pilgrims for their discipline and unity so far during the Hajj rites. The Arafah convergence of pilgrims marked a significant aspect of the Holy pilgrimage exercise.
Apart from offering prayers, other activities carried out by the State officials, included lecture on the significance of Arafah delivered by Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, who emphasized that the mountain of Arafah is the meeting point for Prophet Adam and his wife Hawau (Eve) after they were chased out of the paradise by Allah, for their disobedience to His commandments.
Highpoint of the Lagos event was the declaration of all pilgrims as legitimate Alhajis and Alhajas by the Amir-ul-Hajj/Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode. He congratulated everyone for the privilege and encouraged them to allow the teachings of Hajj reflect in their personal lives, businesses and relationship with fellow human beings.
Layode used the avenue to appreciate the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who made a video call to felicitate with the pilgrims.
He also expressed gratitude to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and other government functionaries for their cooperation and support towards the success of the Hajj exercise.
Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has fulfilled its promises by giving each of the 1,315 pilgrims performing the 2025 Holy pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 180 Saudi Riyal.
Layode stated that as a God fearing man and a promise-keeper, the governor gave out the money as promised during a One-day Seminar held in Lagos in May. He explained further that 80SR is to take care of their Ihram clothing while the remaining 100SR is for their upkeep in Mina and Arafah for the main Hajj rituals. He added that the Governor has also fulfilled his promise of paying for the Hadiyah (sacrificial) rams of the pilgrims as well as their ziyarah (visitation) to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah.
According to The Nation, the Commissioner who described Dhul Hijjah as “a sacred month and a time for heightened devotion, reflection and acts of worship, appealed to the pilgrims to take advantage of the period to pray fervently for themselves, their families, Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Lagos State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria at large.”
In his appeal, Commissioner Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode stressed that Arafah is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, hence, he urged everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to seek Allah’s favour, forgiveness and mercy.
