The first group of Christian pilgrims from Lagos State returned safely after a successful pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan. The pilgrims, who departed from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, returned to Nigeria on New Year's Day.
At the welcome ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, expressed delight at the success of the pilgrimage, noting that the journey began and ended on a positive note.
He expressed hope that other states would follow the example of the Lagos pilgrims.
The Special Adviser on Christian Religious Affairs, Most Reverend Adebukola Adeleke, together with Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Chairman, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, also expressed gratitude to God for safe travels.
Mrs. Yetunde Gbafe, Secretary of the Board, thanked God for the smooth running of the pilgrimage and acknowledged the improvements on the border between Jordan and Israel.
He expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, the ground handling services and the intervention of the Nigerian Embassy, ​​adding that the second group of pilgrims from Lagos would depart soon.
The newly inducted Jerusalem Pilgrims (JP) have expressed their satisfaction with the spiritually uplifting experience and high-quality welfare provided by the Lagos State Government. They encouraged others who wish to undertake this spiritual journey to do so, as the Holy Lands are currently peaceful.