Lagos christian pilgrims receive JP certificates in Nazareth
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Lagos Christian pilgrims, forming the majority of the first flight of the 2024 Christian Pilgrims, arrived in Nazareth from Jerusalem on Saturday, December 28, and received their Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP) certificates in Israel.
The award ceremony, held at the Tabar Hotel, officially conferred the title of JP on the pilgrims.
The ceremony followed a combined Sunday service earlier in the day, featuring a Bible lesson read by Hon. Mrs. Omowunmi Ogunlola, the Federal Commissioner representing the South West on the Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC). The lesson, taken from Joel 2:18-27, focused on God’s restoration of Israel’s glory.
Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, delivered a sermon titled “Restoration of Nigeria’s Hope,” emphasizing the need for collective prayer and cooperation with God to restore Nigeria’s glory.
The pilgrims prayed for Nigeria, its leaders, and its citizens, seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and restoration. The prayers centered on restoring Nigeria’s glory, providing wisdom for leaders, instilling a sacrificial spirit in leadership, and granting leaders the grace to finish strong.
Miss Shadia Srour, General Manager of Tabar Tours and the chief host of the ceremony, along with her team, facilitated the day’s events. She expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian government and people for their continued support and cooperation, which has yielded fruitful results over the years regarding the pilgrimage exercise.She praised the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Rt. Revd. Stephen Adegbite, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Board (LSCPWB), Mrs. Florence Yetunde Gbafe, for their unwavering trust in Tabar Tours over the years.
The colorful event was attended by dignitaries including Apostle Fagbamila Oyewole; Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations for NCPC, Celestine Toruka; Bishop Ogedengbe Stephen; HRH Oba Possi Oyekan, the Oba of Badagry West; Chief Hon. Clement Nweke, Federal Commissioner South East; Hon. Barr. Omowumi Ogunlola, Federal Commissioner South West; Mr. Ode Ikwe, Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Israel; Miss Shadia Srour, GM Tabar Tours; Mrs. Yetunde Gbafe, Board Secretary LSCPWB; Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Board Chairman LSCPWB; Mr. Yahaya Adamu, Head of the Zonal Office Unit NCPC; Ven. Dr. Joseph Chibuogwu of NCPC; and Revd. Dr. Dele Ajayi.
The pilgrims were delighted to receive their certificates and lapel pins, describing the experience as worthwhile, especially after the rigorous exercise over the past week. They expressed gratitude to the Nigerian and Lagos State governments for the opportunity and kind gesture.
Pilgrims were advised to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, Lagos State, and their families, to be peacemakers wherever they found themselves, and to represent Jesus Christ faithfully.
In his sermon, Bishop Johnson expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for facilitating this year’s pilgrimage exercise despite the challenges posed by the Hamas militant group’s attack on Israel in October.
The first flight of Christian pilgrims has been in the Holy Land for seven days, having departed Nigeria on December 22. The pilgrimage exercise continues with prayers and reflections on the theme “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration.”
