Just in, S-O says Be good ambassadors of Christ, Sanwo-Olu tells intending pilgrims. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, has instructed prospective Christian pilgrims to represent the state and Jesus Christ well when they travel to Israel and Jordan.
Sanwo-Olu led a “Service of Dedication” held on Thursday in Alausa, Ikeja, in advance of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board’s 2026 pilgrimage. Mr. Ibrahim Layode, the state commissioner for home affairs, represented the governor.
Be good ambassadors of Christ—Sanwo-Olu tells intending pilgrims
He exhorted the pilgrims to pray for peace in the state and throughout Nigeria throughout the activity.
Sanwo-Olu reassured his administration’s commitment to their spiritual growth, safety and overall well-being. He said that the theme of the service, “Set Apart for a Holy Journey,” underscored the importance of pilgrimage in bringing Christians closer to God.
The governor further encouraged the intending pilgrims to be patient and tolerant with one another.
Rev. Bukola Adeleke, the Governor’s Special Advisor on Christian Matters, prayed for the pilgrims’ safety and urged them to be cooperative, focused, and have good relationships.
Also, the Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, asked the intended pilgrims to observe the laws of Israel and Jordan and the directions of their tour guide.
Ogunsanya encouraged the pilgrims to pray in order to strengthen their trust in Jesus Christ and have a contact with God. Any pilgrims who planned to flee will be apprehended and subjected to the wrath of the law, he threatened.
Dr. Omoniyi Okudero, the secretary of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, emphasized that pilgrims should focus more on the spiritual than the social aspects of the activity.
Okudero gave the pilgrims assurances of proper coordination and direction while praising the governor for his assistance. He counseled them to completely engage in the activity and act as their brothers’ keepers.
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Earlier in a sermon, the Deputy Director of Evangelism and Discipleship, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Very Rev. Ayo Adepoju, cautioned the potential pilgrims to expect a particular experience with God.
“Expect God to meet you in a unique way. The clergyman emphasized the value of pilgrimage in enhancing Christians’ lives while preaching on the theme “Set Apart for a Holy Journey,” which was taken from Romans 12:1.
The News Agency of Nigeria says that the first batch of intended Christian pilgrims is slated to be carried to Israel and Jordan on January 31.
