CITIZENS’ WELFARE PARAMOUNT TO STATE GOVERNMENT 

… As LASG Commences Airlifting of Hajj Pilgrims on Friday 

The Lagos State Government has stated that the welfare and safety of its citizens remain top priority, as the 2024 Pilgrimage exercise commences.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode while listing the activities and achievements of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the past year at the 2024 annual Ministerial Press Briefing organised to commemorate the First year of the 2nd term in office of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration held today at the Bagaulda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Hon. Layode assured that the State Government through the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board in collaboration with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) is in contact with the authorities in Isreal to ascertain the safety of intending pilgrims to the Holy Land, at a challenging time like this.

According to him, the Ministry of Tourism in Israel had written invitation letters to assure Pilgrims of their safety during the exercise. 

Similarly, the Commissioner hinted that preparations have reached top gear for the airlifting of over 1,868 Hajj Pilgrims to the Holy Land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, adding that the Lagos State contingents are assured of a rewarding and memorable experience. 

Fielding questions from members of the Press, he asserted that the religious harmony presently being enjoyed in Lagos State is a result of the timely interventions of the Ministry in religious matters to avert chaos or any breakdown of law and order while also commending the religious bodies in the State for their unwavering cooperation. 

Furthermore, the Commissioner shed light on the support extended to the Armed Forces. He stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration annually donates 50 million Naira, along with operational vehicles, as aid to the widows of deceased soldiers and support the logistics of the state branch of the Nigerian Legion.

Hon. Layode also mentioned the distribution of over 50,000 food packs and drinks to public servants across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the Lent and Ramadan fast to aid in breaking their fast. The 2024 Ramadan Tafsir also marked the 25th anniversary of the Lagos State Ramadan Tafsir, celebrated with former Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry, with special prayers offered for the state.

For matters relating to Money Lender activities in the State, the Commissioner revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs between 2023 to date has processed over 274 new applications and renewed 494 permits for money lender operations within Lagos.

The Press Briefing was attended by Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Hon. Jubril Kareem, the House Committee Chairman on Home Affairs, Permanent Secretaries and Directors of the Ministry of Home Affairs.