The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB) has commenced a sensitisation and advocacy tour across Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to strengthen partnerships and mobilise support for the 2026 Israel/Jordan Pilgrimage Exercise.
The outreach, led by the Secretary of the Board, Dr. Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi, is aimed at appreciating local government chairmen for their continued support while encouraging greater participation and timely sponsorship of intending pilgrims.
The Board has so far visited Yaba and Apapa Local Governments, where it engaged council leadership on the importance of promoting spiritual development through pilgrimage.
During the visit to Yaba Local Government, Dr. Gbolabo commended the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Dr.) Adebayo Adefuye, for his unwavering support for pilgrimage activities within the council and appealed for the prompt payment of pilgrimage fares to enable the Board conclude all necessary preparations ahead of the exercise.
He also encouraged the Chairman to mobilise his counterparts across other LGAs and LCDAs to invest in the spiritual wellbeing of their constituents, noting that spiritual renewal contributes to peace, stability, and social development.
According to him, beneficiaries of the pilgrimage programme should be individuals who are spiritually committed and willing to continually pray for their benefactors, the government, and the peace and progress of the nation.
Responding, Hon. (Dr.) Adebayo Adefuye reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the spiritual growth and moral wellbeing of residents, describing pilgrimage as a valuable opportunity for personal renewal and transformation.
At Apapa Local Government, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, also pledged her administration’s support for the 2026 pilgrimage exercise.
She stated that her government recognises the importance of spiritual rejuvenation and assured the Board that intending pilgrims from the council would receive fair consideration and support.
The sensitisation team included the Director of Operations, Mrs. Kehinde Omisorei; the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ebunoluwa Olagoke; Mrs. Irene Olopade of the Operations Department; and Mr. Adeseye Adedapo from the Administration and Human Resources Department.
Speaking during the engagements, Dr. Gbolabo noted that although the pilgrimage exercise has been affected by prevailing security concerns in the Middle East, the Board remains steadfast in praying for lasting peace in both Nigeria and Israel.
He expressed optimism that the Israel/Jordan pilgrimage would resume once peace is fully restored, allowing Christian faithful to undertake the sacred journey safely.
The sensitisation exercise forms part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to ensure adequate preparation, stakeholder engagement, and successful participation in the 2026 pilgrimage programme.
