The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced a comprehensive review of its pilgrimage operations as part of efforts to improve pilgrims’ welfare, strengthen service delivery and provide a better overall pilgrimage experience.
The review is being undertaken during a two-day management retreat held at Dover Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme, “Enhancing Pilgrims’ Welfare: Challenges and Opportunities.” The retreat is providing management and staff with an opportunity to assess previous pilgrimage exercises, identify operational gaps and develop practical measures to improve services for intending and returning pilgrims.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya, commended the Board for expanding its sensitisation programmes to more churches, groups and other platforms. He noted that the initiative had received positive feedback from members of the public and urged the Board to sustain the momentum while increasing its visibility through social media and other digital platforms.
Ogunsanya also stressed the need to take the prevailing security situation in the Middle East into consideration when planning pilgrimages, particularly in addressing concerns over the safety of intending pilgrims. He called for stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, while urging the Board to pay greater attention to pilgrims’ comfort and welfare. He also suggested the inclusion of more Nigerian meals and other local content in welfare services provided in the Holy Land.
Earlier, the Board Secretary, Dr. Gbolabo Omoniyi Okudero, said the retreat was designed to enable management and staff to step away from routine administrative duties and objectively evaluate the Board’s operations. He stressed that continuous assessment and improvement were essential to sustaining public confidence and ensuring that pilgrims receive quality services throughout the pilgrimage process. He added that the facilitators were deliberately selected based on their experience and knowledge of the Board’s operations.
One of the facilitators, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, Commissioner II, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, urged public servants involved in pilgrimage operations to remain good ambassadors of government and place citizens’ interests at the centre of their duties. He highlighted the importance of professionalism, diplomacy, emotional intelligence, mentorship and effective use of technology, particularly for registration and payment tracking. On health and wellness, the Director of Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Dr. Rasheed Kolade, advised pilgrims to disclose existing medical conditions before travelling and maintain healthy habits, including regular medical checks, exercise, proper nutrition and adequate rest.
