Christian pilgrims return to Lagos after successful pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan

The first batch of Lagos State Christian pilgrims safely returned to Lagos on January 1, 2025, after a successful pilgrimage to the Holy Lands of Israel and Jordan.

The pilgrims arrived aboard chartered Atlas Jet flight 6K 3101.

At the welcome ceremony, Rt. Rev. Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), expressed his joy at the success of the pilgrimage, noting that the journey had both begun and ended on a positive note.

He also thanked Jordanian authorities for ensuring smooth border transfers between Jordan and Israel, which contributed to the overall success of the trip.

Rt. Rev. Adegbite extended gratitude to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for their continued support, expressing confidence that other states would also benefit from successful pilgrimage operations.

Key figures present at the ceremony included Very Revd Adebukola Adeleke, Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters, and Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

They also offered thanks for the safe journey and the success of the exercise.

Mrs. Yetunde Gbafe, Board Secretary, acknowledged the smooth and hitch-free nature of the pilgrimage.

She expressed gratitude to both the Nigerian government and Lagos State for providing a supportive environment for the Board to carry out the pilgrimage. She also highlighted improvements at the Jordan-Israel border and thanked the Nigerian and Jordanian ground handlers for their assistance. She announced that the second batch of Lagos pilgrims would soon depart for the Holy Land.

Mrs. Adeola Aina, Director of Administration and Human Resources for the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, who also served as Bus Captain for Bus One, expressed her satisfaction with the successful completion of the pilgrimage. She emphasized that the experience was invaluable and encouraged others to take part in future pilgrimages.

In a similar vein, Mrs. Ebunoluwa Adeola Olagoke, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Board, noted that feedback from pilgrims reflected a spiritually fulfilling and enriching experience. She commended the well-organized nature of the pilgrimage and urged those interested to seize the opportunity to embark on a similar journey.

Newly-inducted Jerusalem Pilgrims also expressed their satisfaction with the spiritually rejuvenating experience and the top-notch welfare provided by the Lagos State Government.

They encouraged others who may have reservations to visit the Holy Land, highlighting that it is now a peaceful destination for pilgrimage, contrary to negative perceptions held by many.

Daily Sun