Pilgrims
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has admonished Christian intending pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Christ and the state during the pilgrimage exercise.
Sanwo-Olu gave the admonition at a Service of Dedication organised by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board ahead of the Y2025 pilgrimage exercise.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mrs Folasade Adebayo, the Public Affairs Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, urged the pilgrims to uphold exemplary conduct throughout the spiritual journey.
“You are not only representing your faith but also Lagos State and Nigeria. Your behaviour should reflect Christ-like values wherever you go,” Layode said.
He encouraged the pilgrims to use the pilgrimage period to pray fervently for peace, unity and development in Lagos State and the country at large.
Layode assured the pilgrims of the state government’s commitment to their spiritual growth, safety and overall wellbeing throughout the exercise.
He noted that the theme of the dedication service, ‘Set Apart for a Holy Journey’, underscored the importance of the pilgrimage in drawing believers closer to God.
“The pilgrimage is a sacred exercise. You must be patient, tolerant and accommodating of one another as you journey together,” he advised.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on Christian Matters, Rev. Bukola Adeleke, prayed for journey mercies and urged the pilgrims to remain focused and united.
Adeleke advised them to bond together and work as a team in order to achieve the spiritual purpose of the pilgrimage.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, implored the pilgrims to obey the laws of the holy lands and adhere strictly to the instructions of their tour guides.
He warned intending pilgrims against absconding, stressing that anyone who violated the rules would face the full weight of the law.
“You must be prayerful and disciplined so that this pilgrimage will strengthen your faith and give you a genuine encounter with God,” Ogunsanya said.
The Secretary, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr Omoniyi Okudero, urged the pilgrims to focus more on the spiritual essence of the exercise rather than social activities.
Okudero commended Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his continued support of Christian pilgrims, assuring them of proper coordination and guidance throughout the journey.
He encouraged the pilgrims to be their brothers’ keepers and to participate fully in all scheduled pilgrimage activities.
In his sermon, the Deputy Director of Evangelism and Discipleship, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Rev. Ayo Adepoju, spoke on the theme, ‘Set Apart for a Holy Journey’, drawing from Romans 12:1.
Adepoju emphasised the importance of pilgrimage in enriching the spiritual lives of believers and urged the pilgrims to embark on the journey with faith and expectation.
“Go with the expectation that God will meet you in a special way and do something new in your life,” he said.
The first batch of intending pilgrims is scheduled to be airlifted on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, to Israel and Jordan.(NAN)
