By Kayode Olopade
Lagos State Government has celebrated the safe return of all participants in the 2025 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan with a special thanksgiving service, expressing gratitude to God for a successful and incident-free journey.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), was held on Thursday under the theme, “We Return with Grateful Praise.” It brought together pilgrims, government officials, and religious leaders in an atmosphere of worship and appreciation.
Board Secretary Dr. Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi reported visits to sacred sites in Jordan and Israel, calling the exercise operationally, logistically and spiritually successful, and commended pilgrims’ conduct.
He thanked Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; NCPC Executive Secretary Bishop Prof Stephen Adegbite, represented by Pastor Stephen Oyinlola, Commissioner Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode; Permanent Secretary Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya; Special Adviser Christian Matters Very Revd. Adebukola Adeleke and pilgrimage clerics and group leaders.
Delivering the sermon, Pastor Ayobami Oyeniyi of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries emphasised the importance of gratitude, noting that thanksgiving attracts greater blessings. Drawing from Luke 17:17, which recounts how only one of the ten lepers healed by Jesus returned to give thanks, he urged the pilgrims to maintain a lifestyle of appreciation.
“What makes God happy is the spirit of appreciation and thanksgiving. When we return to thank Him, He perfects His blessings in our lives,” he said.
Pastor Oyeniyi also referenced Psalm 100, encouraging the faithful to continually express gratitude to God, adding that their act of thanksgiving would usher in new and unexpected blessings.
In his goodwill message, Bishop Taiwo Ajose, Special Adviser to the Executive Secretary of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, expressed gratitude for the safe movement of all pilgrims to and from the Holy Lands. He described the successful pilgrimage as a testament to effective planning and divine favour.
The event featured special prayer sessions for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat, and their families. Prayers were also offered for peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria, as well as for the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), newly appointed Justices of the Peace, and all residents of Lagos State.
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