Be Lagos ambassadors, Sanwo-Olu’s wife urges intending pilgrims

The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called on intending Christian pilgrims to conduct themselves as exemplary ambassadors of Christ and Lagos State during their pilgrimage.

Ibijoke appealed on Wednesday during the Service of Dedication for the 2024 Pilgrimage Exercise, organised by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and held at Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja.

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission will on December 22 airlift 10,000 Christians who registered for this year’s holy pilgrimage to Jordan.

Each of the intending pilgrims paid N3m, amounting to N30bn by the Nigerian contingent.

The NCPC’s Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, disclosed this to The PUNCH on Sunday.

Represented at the Wednesday event by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters (Christian), Reverend Bukola Adeleke, Ibijoke emphasised the importance of the pilgrimage, which she described as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and strengthening of faith.

She highlighted the theme of the service, “Let Us Go and See,” as a reflection of the pilgrimage’s purpose, noting that it was apt as it underscored the significance of drawing closer to God and deepening one’s faith.

Ibijoke urged the pilgrims to dedicate time to pray for the peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Reverend Stephen Adegbite, also addressed the gathering. He prayed for the pilgrims’ safe journey and reminded them of their role as representatives of Lagos.

He advised them to adhere to the laws of the holy lands, follow the tour guides’ instructions, and maintain good conduct throughout the pilgrimage.

The LSCPWB Board Secretary, Yetunde Gbafe, also spoke at the event, urging pilgrims to prioritise the spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage over the social.

“Let me also encourage all our intending pilgrims to be their brothers’ keepers, and be good ambassadors. Ensure you participate fully in the pilgrimage exercise,” Gbafe said.

Gbafe commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support of the programme and encouraged the pilgrims to continue intercessory prayers even after the exercise.