Governor Sanwo-Olu Urges Intending Pilgrims to Be Worthy Ambassadors

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has charged Christian intending pilgrims for the 2025 pilgrimage exercise to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Christ and Lagos State. The Governor gave the admonition at a Service of Dedication organised by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (CPWB), ahead of the commencement of the pilgrimage. He was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Layode.

Sanwo-Olu urged the pilgrims to use the spiritual journey to pray for peace, unity, and progress in Lagos State and Nigeria at large, while assuring them of the state government’s commitment to their spiritual growth, safety, and overall well-being throughout the exercise. He noted that the theme of the service, “Set Apart for a Holy Journey,” highlights the sacred nature of the pilgrimage and its purpose of drawing believers closer to God, stressing the need for patience, tolerance, and mutual understanding among participants.

In their separate remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Matters, Reverend Bukola Adeleke, offered prayers for a safe and successful journey, encouraging the pilgrims to remain focused, united, and committed to working together as a team. Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Adewunmi Ogunsanya, enjoined the pilgrims to obey the laws of the holy lands, adhere strictly to the instructions of tour guides, and maintain exemplary conduct throughout the pilgrimage.

Ogunsanya further urged the pilgrims to be fervent in prayers in order to deepen their faith and have a genuine spiritual encounter, warning that any attempt to abscond would attract severe legal consequences. On his part, the Board Secretary of the CPWB, Dr. Omoniyi Okudero, stressed the need for pilgrims to prioritise the spiritual essence of the exercise over social activities, while assuring them of adequate coordination and guidance by the board.

Delivering the sermon, the Deputy Director of Evangelism and Discipleship, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Very Reverend Dr. Ayo Adepoju, spoke on the theme “Set Apart for a Holy Journey,” drawing from Romans 12:1. He encouraged the pilgrims to embark on the journey with high expectations and an open heart, expressing confidence that the pilgrimage would enrich their spiritual lives. The first batch of the intending pilgrims is scheduled to be airlifted on Saturday, January 31, 2026, to Israel and Jordan.