Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged intending Christian pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Jesus Christ and Lagos during their forthcoming pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.

Mr Sanwo-Olu gave the charge during a service of dedication organised by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board in preparation for the 2026 Pilgrimage, on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja.

The governor was represented by the commissioner for home affairs, Ibrahim Layode.

He urged the intending pilgrims to use the exercise to pray for peace in the state and the entire Nigeria.

Mr Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to their spiritual growth, safety, and overall well-being.

The governor encouraged the intending pilgrims to be patient and tolerant with one another.

The special adviser to the governor on Christian matters, Bukola Adeleke, prayed for a safe journey and encouraged the intending pilgrims to be focused, relate well, and work as a team.

Also, the permanent secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, implored the intending pilgrims to obey the laws of Israel and Jordan, as well as the instructions of their tour guide.

Mr Ogunsanya urged the pilgrims to be prayerful to encounter God and to solidify their faith in Jesus Christ.

He warned that any intending pilgrim who intended to abscond would be caught and made to face the wrath of the law.

The secretary of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Omoniyi Okudero, emphasised the need for intending pilgrims to focus more on the spiritual aspect of the exercise than on the social. While commending the governor for his support, Okudero assured the pilgrims of adequate coordination and guidance.

He advised them to be their brothers’ keepers and participate fully in the exercise.

The first batch of intending Christian pilgrims is set to be transported to Israel and Jordan on January 31. 

(NAN)