Kwara Christian Pilgrims Return From Jordan, Israel

Christian pilgrims from Kwara State have returned safely after completing their spiritual pilgrimage to biblical and historical sites in Jordan and Israel.

The pilgrims, who departed Nigeria on February 11, 2026, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday, marking the successful conclusion of their spiritual exercise.

They were formally received on Sunday by the staff of the Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and their families.

Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, the senior special assistant to the governor on Christian Matters, Rev. Timothy Akangbe, thanked to God for what he described as a smooth and hitch-free journey.

He noted that although the weather condition differed from Nigeria’s, it was not harsh, and he commended the pilgrims for their cooperation throughout the exercise.

Akangbe urged the pilgrims to apply the spiritual lessons and experiences gained during the pilgrimage to the glory of God.

He also expressed appreciation to the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his support toward the success of the holy pilgrimage.

In his remarks, the chairman of the State’s Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Prof. Timothy Opoola, described the pilgrimage period as a season of rejoicing and a new experience for the participants.

He disclosed that there were no emergencies and no cases of abscondment among the pilgrims, attributing the success of the exercise to their cooperation and the government’s support.

The executive secretary of the board, Mr. Samuel Bayo, described the journey as safe, successful, transformative, and spiritually enriching.

He disclosed that all 67 pilgrims returned safely, with no record of abscondment.

Some of the returning pilgrims expressed gratitude to God for journey mercies and thanked the state government and the board for what they described as seamless arrangements and a successful spiritual exercise.