Lagos Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board Strengthens Strategic Partnerships to Enhance Pilgrimage Services

 

By Kayode Olopade 

As part of efforts to boost awareness and participation in Christian pilgrimage, the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (CPWB) has embarked on a series of strategic engagements with key stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government Areas (LGAs), Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), media houses, corporate organisations, and churches across the state.

This initiative was highlighted on Tuesday during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing by the Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, in commemoration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in his second term.

Commending the CPWB's proactive outreach, the Commissioner lauded the Board’s efforts in fostering collaborations across the public and private sectors, as well as with religious bodies, to improve the spiritual tourism experience for Christian pilgrims from Lagos.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry and the Board to delivering quality support services that ensure a seamless and enriching pilgrimage experience. He also acknowledged the leadership of the Board Secretary, Dr. Gbolabo Okudero, for his foresight and consistency in preparing for the 2025 pilgrimage.

In furtherance of this goal, the Board paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, where it sought to strengthen ties with LG and LCDA Chairmen through their regular monthly meetings facilitated by the Ministry.

Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Layode noted:"The Board aims to enrich the pilgrimage experience and foster spiritual growth among Lagosians by intensifying partnerships across the state. We are optimistic that this year’s pilgrimage exercise will be hitch-free."

In a related development, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also stepped up enforcement activities to regulate the operations of money lenders in the state. The Commissioner disclosed that compliance checks have been intensified, resulting in sanctions and the sealing of erring operators.

“As of last year, Lagos had 623 registered money lenders. This year alone, we received 474 new applications, with 147 approved so far,” he said.

However, he noted that several operators failed to meet licensing requirements and have consequently been penalised.

“We’ve sealed the offices of 21 money lenders who failed to renew their licenses or attempted to evade oversight by changing their office locations without notifying the Ministry,” the Commissioner stated.

He condemned such evasive tactics and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting both lenders and borrowers, saying:

"While we are committed to regulating this sector, we also ensure that lenders are not unfairly exploited by borrowers. It’s a delicate balance we are determined to maintain.