Lagos gov’t sets guidelines for intending Christian pilgrims to Israel, Jordan

By Lukman Olabiyi

Lagos State Government has issued strict guidelines for Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel and Jordan, urging them to remain spiritually focused, disciplined and law-abiding throughout the pilgrimage.

The government stressed that pilgrimage to the Holy Land is not a leisure trip but a sacred period for spiritual renewal and deeper communion with God.

This charge was given during a one-day orientation seminar held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, ahead of the airlifting of the 2025 Christian pilgrims.

According to the government, the first batch of pilgrims is scheduled to depart on January 31, 2026, while the second batch will leave in February.

Speaking at the seminar, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, said the orientation was organised to adequately prepare intending pilgrims for the spiritual journey and educate them on their responsibilities before and during the pilgrimage.

Ogunsanya urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves with integrity and decorum, noting that they would be representing Lagos State and Nigeria abroad.

He emphasised that unity, cooperation and strict adherence to laid-down rules were critical to the success of the pilgrimage.
“Pilgrims must see themselves as ambassadors of the state and the country. Your conduct abroad reflects on all of us, and unity among pilgrims is key to achieving the spiritual purpose of this journey,” he said.

Also speaking, the Board Secretary, Mr Gbolabo Okudero, described the pilgrimage as a strictly spiritual exercise and cautioned pilgrims against distractions that could undermine its essence.

“You must be intentional to avoid distractions,” Okudero said, advising pilgrims to dress modestly, eat moderately, remain with their assigned groups, obey the laws of host countries, follow the instructions of tour guides and maintain good conduct throughout the journey.

He added that prayer should remain the central focus of the pilgrimage.
Okudero also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continued support of the pilgrimage programme, describing the state government’s efforts as instrumental to a well-structured and seamless process.

The seminar also featured briefings for operational staff, including clerics, media personnel, medical officers and administrative teams, who were taken through their specific roles and responsibilities to ensure a smooth and hitch-free pilgrimage.