The first batch of Lagos State Christian pilgrims returned safely to Lagos on January 1, 2025, aboard a chartered atlas jet 6K 3101, after a successful pilgrimage exercise to the holy land of Israel and Jordan.
At the welcome ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) expressed his joy at the exercise’s success, noting that the journey began and ended in joy. Thanking the Jordanian authority for a smooth Jordan and Israel border transfer of pilgrims.
The NCPC boss equally thanked President Bola Tinubu, and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for their unwavering support, believing other states would also have a successful pilgrimage exercise.
Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters, Very Revd Adebukola Adeleke, and Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, also thanked God for journey mercies.
The Board Secretary, Mrs. Yetunde Gbafe thanked God for the hitch-free exercise. She also thanked the President of Nigeria and the Governor of Lagos State for giving the Board the enabling environment to operate this particular pilgrimage.
She acknowledged improvements at the Jordan-Israel border, appreciating the Nigerian and Jordanian ground handlers. She announced that the second batch of Lagos pilgrims would depart soon.
The newly inducted Jerusalem Pilgrims (JPs) expressed satisfaction with the spiritually rejuvenating exercise and top-notch welfare the Lagos State Government provided. They encouraged other intending pilgrims to visit the holy lands, which is now peaceful for pilgrimage exercise against the general negative notion.