Lagos celebrates pilgrims’ return
Lagos State Government has celebrated the return of participants in the 2025 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan with a special thanksgiving service. It thanked God for a successful and
Lagos State Government has celebrated the return of participants in the 2025 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan with a special thanksgiving service.
It thanked God for a successful and incident-free journey.
The event, organised by Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), was held yesterday under the theme: “We Return with Grateful Praise.”
It brought together pilgrims, government officials, and religious leaders in an atmosphere of worship and appreciation.
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Secretary of Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Gbolabo Okudero, attributed the success of the pilgrimage to divine mercy and grace.
He said the journey’s safety and smooth execution were testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
“The journey mercies, safety and smooth sail throughout the pilgrimage could only have been achieved by the mercy and grace of God Almighty. We have come together as grateful servants to return all glory to Him,” Okudero said.
He added that the thanksgiving service, which brought together all batches of pilgrims, was also an opportunity to seek continued divine guidance and protection for future pilgrimages.
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Okudero expressed profound appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for their support and for providing the necessary resources that ensured the success of the exercise.
He lauded the Commissioner for Home Affairs, the Permanent Secretary and the entire management and workers of the Pilgrims Welfare Board for their dedication and commitment.
Delivering sermon, Pastor Ayobami Oyeniyi of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries emphasised the importance of gratitude, noting that thanksgiving attracted greater blessings. Drawing from Luke 17:17, which recounts how only one of the 10 lepers healed by Jesus returned to give thanks, he advised 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.
Oyeniyi also referenced Psalm 100, encouraging the faithful to continually express gratitude to God. He said their act of thanksgiving would usher in new and unexpected blessings.
Special Adviser to the Executive Secretary of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Taiwo Ajose, expressed gratitude for the safe movement of all pilgrims to and from the Holy Land. 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), Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), newly appointed Justices of the Peace, and all residents of Lagos State.
