Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged Christian intending pilgrims to wear their faith like a badge of honour and project the state positively as they embark on the 2025 pilgrimage.
The governor gave the charge during a Service of Dedication organised by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board ahead of the Y2025 pilgrimage exercise.
The message was conveyed in a statement issued by Mrs Folasade Adebayo, Public Affairs Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, Sanwo-Olu reminded the pilgrims that their conduct abroad would speak louder than words.
“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 urged them to turn the pilgrimage into a season of earnest prayers for peace, unity and sustainable development in Lagos State and across the nation.
Layode also reassured the pilgrims of the state government’s commitment to their safety, spiritual nourishment and general wellbeing throughout the journey.
He explained that the theme of the dedication service, ‘Set Apart for a Holy Journey’, highlights the sacred nature of the pilgrimage and its role in deepening believers’ relationship with 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, offered prayers for safe travels and called on the pilgrims to remain united and spiritually focused.
Adeleke encouraged them to strengthen their bond and operate as one body in order to fulfil the divine purpose of the pilgrimage.
In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, appealed to the pilgrims to respect the laws of the holy lands and follow the directives of their tour guides to the letter.
He cautioned against absconding, stressing that defaulters would not escape the long arm 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 of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr Omoniyi Okudero, urged the pilgrims to keep their eyes on the spiritual prize and not be distracted by social engagements.
He praised Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for Christian pilgrims and assured them of seamless coordination and guidance throughout the exercise.
Okudero further encouraged the pilgrims to look out for one another and participate fully in all scheduled pilgrimage programmes.
Delivering the sermon, the Deputy Director of Evangelism and Discipleship, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Rev. Ayo Adepoju, expounded on the theme ‘Set Apart for a Holy Journey’, drawing inspiration from Romans 12:1.
Adepoju stressed that pilgrimage serves as a spiritual refining fire and urged the pilgrims to step out in 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.
Meanwhile, the first batch of intending pilgrims is slated to be airlifted on Saturday, January 31, 2026, to Israel and Jordan.
