Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Christian pilgrims from the state to display exemplary conduct and uphold Christian values as they embark on the forthcoming pilgrimage.
The governor made the call during a dedication service organised by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board in preparation for the 2025 pilgrimage exercise.
The message was conveyed in a statement issued by Mrs Folasade Adebayo, Public Affairs Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, Sanwo-Olu reminded the pilgrims that their conduct would reflect not only their faith but also Lagos State and Nigeria.
“You are ambassadors of Christ and of your state. Let your actions everywhere you go mirror Christ-like virtues,” Layode said.
He urged the pilgrims to take advantage of the pilgrimage period to offer prayers for peace, unity and sustainable development in Lagos State and across the nation.
Layode also reassured them of the state government’s commitment to ensuring their safety, wellbeing and spiritual fulfilment throughout the exercise.
He explained that the theme of the service, ‘Set Apart for a Holy Journey’, highlighted the sacred nature of the pilgrimage and its role in strengthening believers’ relationship with God.
“The pilgrimage demands patience, tolerance and mutual understanding. You must walk together in love,” he added.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Matters, Rev. Bukola Adeleke, offered prayers for safe travels and encouraged the pilgrims to remain united and focused on the spiritual objective of the journey.
Adeleke also charged them to work together as a team in order to maximise the spiritual benefits of the pilgrimage.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, cautioned the pilgrims to respect the laws of the host countries and strictly follow the directives of their tour guides.
He warned against absconding, stressing that any violation of the rules would attract appropriate sanctions.
“You must remain prayerful and disciplined so this journey will deepen your faith and bring about a true encounter with God,” Ogunsanya said.
The Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr Omoniyi Okudero, advised the pilgrims to prioritise the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage over social engagements.
Okudero commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support for Christian pilgrims and assured them of effective coordination throughout the exercise.
He further encouraged them to support one another and participate actively in all scheduled activities.
Delivering the sermon, the Deputy Director of Evangelism and Discipleship of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Rev. Ayo Adepoju, spoke on the theme ‘Set Apart for a Holy Journey’, drawing his message from Romans 12:1.
Adepoju stressed that pilgrimage plays a vital role in spiritual growth and urged the pilgrims to embark on the journey with strong faith and positive expectations.
He encouraged them to trust God for a transformative experience, as the first batch of pilgrims is expected to depart for Israel and Jordan on Saturday, January 31, 2026.