Pilgrimage exercise not for tourism -Sanwo-Olu

Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has charged Christian pilgrims from the state to see pilgrimage exercise as a spiritually rewarding journey rather than for site-seeing and relaxation.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu stated this on Friday during the Service of Dedication organised by Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB).

The first lady noted that the theme of the dedication service “Tourist or Pilgrim” is apt as the importance of the pilgrimage exercise has been lost on some pilgrims as they see it as an avenue to go for site-seeing.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu enjoined the intending pilgrims to see the exercise as a time for spiritual rejuvenation and uplifting of their faith as all the things read about in the bible will come to life.

She also used the opportunity to express gratitude to God for the reopening of Israel for pilgrimage exercise after the closure due to the Covid19 pandemic. She, however, enjoined the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the State while adhering to Covid19 safety protocols in order to stem the tide and take necessary precautions against monkeypox.

In his goodwill message, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, quoting the book of Proverbs 18: 10 noted that the event was organised to dedicate and commit all the intending pilgrims as well as State officials into the shelter of the Almighty God as they proceed on pilgrimage to the holy lands of Israel and Jordan.

He enjoined the intending pilgrims to see the pilgrimage exercise as purely a spiritual journey and not a vacation.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Sewedo Oluseyi Whenu admonished the intending pilgrims to conduct themselves as good ambassadors of Christ and the State in words and deeds.

He charged them to have a deep sense of responsibility while emulating the year 2021 Easter pilgrims where there was no single case of abscondment nor misconduct recorded against any of them.

Reading from the holy scriptures, Chairman, LSCPWB, Rt. Rev Babatunde C. Akinpelu-Johnson in his sermon “Tourist or Pilgrims” admonished the intending pilgrims to expect something different during the pilgrimage exercise and have a heart of expectation that God will meet them in a special way.

He reiterated that the essence of the Holy Pilgrimage is to gain deeper insight into the Ministry of Christ while on earth and confirm most of the historical places stated in the Bible.