Lagos state governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has fulfilled his commitment to the 1,315 state pilgrims performing the hajj rites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by disbursing 180 Saudi Riyals to each individual.
This was disclosed by the state Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, during a pre-Muna and Arafah special prayer session organised by the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Makkah Monday.
Layode said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s character as a God-fearing and promise-keeping leader, reiterating that the financial support was pledged during a one-day seminar held in Lagos in May.
He stated that 80 Saudi Riyals of the sum is designated for Ihram clothing, with the remaining 100 Saudi Riyals for their upkeep during the crucial Hajj rituals in Mina and Arafah.
Aside the monetary disbursements, the Amir-ul-Hajj confirmed that the governor has also honoured his promises to cover the cost of the pilgrims’ Hadiyah (sacrificial) rams and their ziyarah (visitation) to significant historical sites in Makkah and Madinah.
As the major hajj rituals draw near, necessary arrangements have been finalised for the movement of pilgrims from Makkah to Mina. This critical phase of the pilgrimage is set to commence on the eighth and conclude on the twelfth of Dhul-Hijjah.
Hon. Layode said the movement to Mina began Tuesday evening and extended into the early hours of Wednesday, marking the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah.
Pilgrims will then proceed to the plain of Arafah, also known as Jabal Rahmah, from Wednesday evening until the early hours of Thursday, the ninth day.