Sanwo-Olu Admonishes Intending Pilgrims to Conduct Themselves as Good Ambassadors of Christ and the State *

 

By Kayode Olopade 

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has admonished Christian intending pilgrims at the "Service of Dedication" organised in preparation for the Y2025 Pilgrimage Exercise by the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board to conduct themselves as good ambassadors of Christ and the State. 

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, urged the pilgrims to use the exercise to pray for the peace of the State and Country, emphasising his commitment to their spiritual growth, safety, and overall well-being throughout the journey.

He noted that the theme of the dedication service, "Set Apart for a Holy Journey," underscores the importance of the pilgrimage in bringing the pilgrims closer to God. Layode encouraged the intending pilgrims to be patient and tolerant with one another.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Matters, Reverend Bukola Adeleke, prayed for a safe journey and encouraged the pilgrims to remain focused, bond together, and work in unity as a team.

Also, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, implored them to obey the laws of the holy lands, instructions of their tour guide, and be of good conduct during the pilgrimage exercise. 

Ogunsanya enjoined the pilgrims to be very prayerful in order to have an encounter with the Lord and solidify their faith in Christ. He further warned any intending pilgrims with the intention of absconding that they would definitely be caught and would face the wrath of the law.

Board Secretary, Dr. Omoniyi Okudero emphasised the need for them to concentrate more on the spiritual aspect of the exercise than the social. While commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support, Okudero assured the pilgrims of adequate coordination and guidance. He encouraged the intending pilgrims to be their brothers' keepers and participate fully in the pilgrimage exercise.

In his sermon, the Deputy Director of Evangelism and Discipleship, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Very Reverend Dr. Ayo Adepoju spoke on the theme "Set Apart for a Holy Journey," drawing from the scripture in Romans 12:1, and emphasised the importance of pilgrimage in enriching the lives of the pilgrims. 

Adepoju admonished the intending pilgrims to expect something different during the pilgrimage exercise and have a heart of expectation that God would meet them in a special way. 

The first batch of the intending pilgrims are set to be airlifted on Saturday, 31st January 2026, to the Lands of Israel and Jordan.