The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB) has commenced the statutory administrative and medical screening programme for intending pilgrims to the yearly pilgrimage to Israel.
The orientation and screening exercise is geared towards ensuring that prospective pilgrims are physically, psychologically equipped and fit for the pilgrimage exercise scheduled to hold in the first quarter of 2021.
Addressing the intending pilgrims at the Chapel of Christ, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Adebunmi Elizabeth Adekanye stated that the screening exercise was also initiated to verify the travel documents of the prospective pilgrims.
While seeking the cooperation and understanding of pilgrims, Adekanye pointed out that participants who require further medical attention after the screening would be properly advised, adding that COVID-19 guidelines will be observed during the airlift of pilgrims in batches.
Addressing the over 350 participants, the Board Secretary of Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (CPWB), Mrs. Florence Yetunde Gbafe, affirmed that the exercise was convened to acquaint the intending pilgrims with the guidelines of the holy pilgrimage while expressing optimism that the exercise will soon begin after the long delay caused by the pandemic.
She stated that the earlier date of December 13, 2020, scheduled for travelling was shifted to the first quarter of Y2021 due to the global pandemic but plans are already in place to ensure a seamless journey, stressing that the intending pilgrims might be subjected to a Coronavirus test before embarking on the journey pending the release of the general guidelines by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).
Mrs. Gbafe further explained that since the pilgrims would be travelling to another country, there is the need to orientate them about the values, customs and behavioural expectations of the people of Israel while in the Holy Land.
The Director of Operations, Nigerian Christain Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Amos Yohanna, stated that pilgrims will be airlifted in the first quarter of 2021, while the guidelines for travelling will be released two weeks before the trip.
The intending pilgrims expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for providing the platform to educate and prepare them for the holy pilgrimage, adding that the screening exercise gave them the assurance that the pilgrimage will start soon.
