Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged intending Christian pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Jesus Christ and the state during their forthcoming pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge during a “Service of Dedication” organised in preparation for the 2026 Pilgrimage by Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja.
The governor was represented by the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode.
He urged the intending pilgrims to use the exercise to pray for peace in the state and the entire Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to their spiritual growth, safety and overall well-being.
He said that the theme of the service, “Set Apart for a Holy Journey,” underscored the importance of pilgrimage in bringing Christians closer to God.
The governor encouraged the intending pilgrims to be patient and tolerant with one another.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Matters, Rev. Bukola Adeleke, prayed for a safe journey and encouraged the intending pilgrims to be focused, relate well and work as a team.
Also, the Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, implored the intending pilgrims to obey the laws of Israel and Jordan and the instructions of their tour guide.
Ogunsanya urged the pilgrims to be prayerful in order to have an encounter with God and solidify their faith in Jesus Christ.
He warned that any intending pilgrim with the intention of absconding would be caught and made to face the wrath of the law.
The Secretary of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr Omoniyi Okudero, emphasised the need for the intending pilgrims to concentrate more on the spiritual aspect of the exercise than the social.
While commending the governor for his support, Okudero assured the pilgrims of adequate coordination and guidance.
He advised them to be their brothers’ keepers and participate fully in the exercise.
Earlier in a sermon, the Deputy Director of Evangelism and Discipleship, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Very Rev. Ayo Adepoju, admonished the intending pilgrims to expect a special encounter with God.
“Have a heart of expectation that God will meet you in a special way.
Preaching on the theme, “Set Apart for a Holy Journey”, drawn from the Bible in Romans 12:1, the cleric emphasised the importance of pilgrimage in enriching the lives of Christians.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the first batch of intending Christian pilgrims is set to be transported to Israel and Jordan on January 31.
NAN
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