Lagos initiates the sale of forms for Christian pilgrims
The Lagos State government has initiated the sale of forms for the 2023/2024 pilgrimage to prospective pilgrims heading to the "Holy Land of Rome and Greece." This information was disclosed in a statement posted on the official handle of the Lagos State government on Thursday.
The statement explains that this development follows the suspension of the holy pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan by both the Lagos State government and the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission in October. The decision to suspend the pilgrimage was made due to the security situation in Israel, which had resulted in the loss of several lives.
The statement further notes, "According to the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs. Yetunde Florence Gbafe, the suspension of the pilgrimage exercise then was in line with the State Government’s decision to airlift intending pilgrims to places where their safety and security would be guaranteed."
"Elaborating on the reasoning behind the planned pilgrimage route to Rome and Greece, Gbafe highlighted that these two historical cities hold significance in reinforcing Christians' faith, as pilgrims will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the New Testament Apostles."
"She stated, 'We aim to ensure that Christians seeking a pilgrimage experience are not deprived of the opportunity, hence the alternative arrangement until the security situation in Israel improves.'
"The Board Secretary conveyed that the upcoming pilgrimage exercise is scheduled for January 2024. She encouraged intending pilgrims to acquire their forms either at the Board’s Office, Old Secretariat, Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, Ikeja, or at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja."
The statement additionally conveyed Gbafe's acknowledgment that, notwithstanding the temporary shift from Jordan and Israel to Rome and Greece, the welfare packages and high-quality service traditionally provided to prospective pilgrims by LSCPWB would remain unaffected.
She emphasized that the state government, upon payment of the stipulated pilgrimage fee, would cover expenses such as tickets, visas, accommodation, meals, and welfare materials for the intending pilgrims.
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