The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has organised a thanksgiving service to celebrate the successful completion of the 2025 Holy Land pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
Eko Hot News reports that the event, held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, brought together returning pilgrims, government officials, clergy, and well-wishers in an atmosphere filled with praise, worship, and gratitude.
The thanksgiving service featured colourful processions by pilgrims from both batches, who danced forward in groups while presenting gifts in appreciation to God for a safe and successful journey. The event was marked by joyful singing, prayers, and reflections on the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
Delivering the sermon, Ayobami Oyeniyi of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (Region 5, Agege) emphasised the importance of thanksgiving in the life of believers. Drawing from the biblical account of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11–19, he noted that only one returned to give thanks and received complete healing.
“Returning to give thanks signifies additional blessing,” he stated, urging participants to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude beyond the pilgrimage experience.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Board, Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi, described the pilgrimage as a resounding success both spiritually and operationally. He highlighted that participants visited key sacred sites in Israel and Jordan and commended the discipline and conduct of Lagos pilgrims throughout the exercise.
“The exercise was operationally, logistically, and spiritually successful,” Omoniyi said, expressing appreciation to stakeholders who contributed to the success of the pilgrimage.
He specifically acknowledged the support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; as well as the Executive Secretary of the National Christian Pilgrims Commission, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite.
Other dignitaries acknowledged included the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode; Permanent Secretary Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya; and the Special Adviser on Christian Matters, Very Revd. Adebukola Adeleke, alongside clerics and group leaders who played key roles in coordinating the pilgrimage.
The thanksgiving service, themed around grateful praise, served not only as a celebration of divine protection but also as an opportunity to seek continued guidance and success for future pilgrimage programmes.
Stakeholders noted that such initiatives strengthen faith, promote unity among participants, and reinforce Lagos State’s commitment to supporting religious and spiritual development.
The event concluded on a high note, with prayers offered for the state and its leadership, as well as renewed commitment from the Board to sustain excellence in organising future pilgrimages.
