By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat have sponsored free medical screenings for 1,400 intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj to Saudi Arabia.
The initiative ensures pilgrims are certified medically fit, as mandated by Sanwo-Olu.
At the screening’s launch in Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Ajarah, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Ibrahim Layode, stressed the state’s focus on pilgrims’ wellbeing.
He said, “Mr Governor and his deputy felt deeply concerned about the economic hardship in the country and decided to foot the bill for the screening to alleviate the intending pilgrims of the cost of the screening, which was ₦50,000.00 last year.” Ten designated screening sites have been established statewide.
Dr Mazeedat Erinosho, screening coordinator, explained that tests, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis (TB), urinalysis, pregnancy tests, full blood count, and kidney function (electrolytes, urea, creatinine), ensure pilgrims’ health. New tests like TB and kidney function were added to align with Sanwo-Olu’s directive.
Board Secretary AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin urged pilgrims to fully participate, calling the free screening unprecedented. The screenings confirm health status, aiding management during the Hajj, after pilgrims paid ₦8.784 million in fares.