The first batch of Lagos State Christian pilgrims returned safely to Lagos after a successful pilgrimage to the holy lands of Israel and Jordan.
In his address at a ceremony where the pilgrims were received by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rt. Rev Stephen Adegbite expressed his joy at the exercise’s success, noting that the journey began and ended in joy.
He thanked the Jordanian authority for a smooth Jordan and Israel border transfer of pilgrims.
The NCPC boss thanked the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for their unwavering support, believing that other states would equally have a successful pilgrimage exercise.
Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters, Very Revd Adebukola Adeleke, and Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, thanked God for journey mercies.
The Board Secretary, Mrs Yetunde Gbafe, thanked God for the hitch-free exercise and thanked the President of Nigeria and the Governor of Lagos State for enabling the Board to operate this pilgrimage.
She acknowledged improvements at the Jordan-Israel border, appreciating the Nigerian and Jordanian ground handlers announcing that the second batch of Lagos pilgrims would depart Lagos soon.
The director of administration and human resources of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims welfare board, Mrs Adeola Aina, also the Bus Captain for Bus One, was equally happy about the exercise’s successful completion. She said the experience has been worthwhile and encourages others to participate.
