By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board today received the second batch of the 2025 pilgrimage exercise, comprising approximately 200 pilgrims who returned from Jerusalem and Jordan.
The pilgrims departed Nigeria on February 11, 2025, and arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 5:29 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2025, after completing their spiritual journey to key biblical and historical sites in Israel and Jordan.
Speaking on arrival, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya thanked God for granting safe departure and return to the pilgrims. He described the pilgrimage as spiritually rewarding and noted that many participants shared testimonies of what God did in their lives during the journey.
Mr. Ogunsanya commended the pilgrims for their discipline and conduct, stating that they represented Lagos State and Nigeria responsibly throughout the exercise. He highlighted as one of the most inspiring moments the determination of an 80 year old pilgrim who climbed Mount Machaerus, traditionally associated with John the Baptist, describing it as a demonstration of faith and resilience.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his continued support of the pilgrimage programme, noting that the Governor sent goodwill messages to the pilgrims through the Special Adviser on Christian Matters. He assured intending pilgrims that future exercises, including the 2026 pilgrimage, would build on the improvements recorded in previous years.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Christian Matters, Very Reverend Bukola Adeleke, thanked God for a successful and safe pilgrimage He acknowledged Mr. Governor’s sustained support for the Christian community and the pilgrimage initiative.
Very Reverend Adeleke stated that the pilgrims visited several significant sites in Jerusalem and Jordan and offered prayers for Nigeria, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Lagos State, and the Governor of Lagos State. He commended the pilgrims for upholding the image of Lagos State during the exercise.
One of the returning pilgrims, Mrs. Yetunde Simpson described the journey as spiritually rejuvenating. She noted that visiting biblical sites deepened her understanding of scripture and made many passages come alive more clearly. Mrs. Simpson expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government for subsidizing the pilgrimage, which made participation more accessible. She encouraged intending pilgrims to prepare and save toward future exercises, describing the pilgrimage as a lifetime opportunity. She added that she would gladly undertake the journey again if given the opportunity.
The Board Secretary Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi Ph.D. reaffirmed the commitment of the board to organise safe, well coordinated, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage exercises for residents of the state.
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