Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode (2nd left) addressing Y2025 Hajj intending pilgrims, during the flag off of the Free Medical Screening sponsored by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, at Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Badagry on Saturday April 19, 2025. With him are Prof. Kabir Paramole (1st left); Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin (2nd right) and Alh. Yusuf Ara (1st right).
In a bid to ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims and ensure their medical fitness, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat have fully sponsored the compulsory medical screening for Lagos State pilgrims embarking on the 2025 Hajj to Saudi Arabia.
This was announced by the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Lagos State Amir-ul-Hajj, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, during the official flag-off of the exercise at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat.
Hon. Layode emphasized that the Governor’s directive mandated all intending pilgrims to be certified medically fit before departure, noting that doctors from General Hospitals across the state have been mobilized to carry out the screenings. “The results will determine their fitness level and guide the medical team on how best to support them during the pilgrimage,” he said.
He praised the administration’s compassion in covering the N50,000 cost of the screening, describing it as a significant relief for the 1,400 intending pilgrims who have already paid the N8.78 million Hajj fare. “Given the current economic challenges, this gesture reflects the value Mr. Governor and his deputy place on the wellbeing of our pilgrims,” he stated.
Unlike previous years, the 2025 exercise has been decentralized across 10 screening sites for accessibility and efficiency. Pilgrims will be screened in batches across various LGAs and General Hospitals from April 19 to May 2, with a special schedule for state officials and private sector pilgrims from JAIZ Bank, NIA, and Royal.
Coordinator of the exercise, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, Director of Medical Administration, Training and Programs (DMAT/P), highlighted improvements in the screening process, including the addition of new tests such as Tuberculosis (TB) and Electrolyte, Urea and Creatinine (E, U + Cr) to assess kidney function. Other tests include HIV, Hepatitis B and C, urinalysis, pregnancy tests for women, and full blood count (FBC).
Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, encouraged full participation, calling the gesture “unprecedented” and a testament to the compassion of the Governor and his deputy. “This kind gesture has engraved the love of this administration in the hearts of our pilgrims and the entire Lagos public,” he added.
The event was attended by prominent stakeholders, including Prof. Kabir Paramole, Alhaji Yusuf Ara, and former Executive Secretary of the Pilgrims Board, Mr. Adeniyi Okoya, among others.
Pilgrims who fail to attend the screening, officials warned, will not be allowed to travel.
