Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has asked the Jerusalem returnees who embarked on Holy Pilgrimage with the State Government last year to reflect their Holy Land experiences in their daily comportment and interaction with other residents of the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave this advice on Wednesday through his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde who represented him at the 2019 General pilgrimage Thanksgiving at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja.
He said that the essence of the pilgrimage which is hinged on Christ should remain a driving force for the Pilgrims even in the face of fierce situations and circumstances surrounding the country at the moment.
Sanwo-Olu described the Thanksgiving ceremony as very necessary considering the rigorous and demanding nature of the spiritual exercise embarked upon by the Pilgrims.
Also, the wife of the Governor who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, commended the Pilgrims for always portraying the State and by extension the country in a positive light before the international Communities.
In her words, ” you should endeavor to make a difference wherever you find yourself, exhibit godly virtues and attitudes such that others would be attracted to follow your religious path and be encouraged to embark on the spiritual journey”
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi urged the Pilgrims to replicate the good lessons learnt in Jerusalem in their respective domains.
He added that the essence of pilgrimage is for the participants to add value to their immediate environment without which the entire intention would amount to nought.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Elizabeth Adekanye said that for the fact that all the Pilgrims who were about 800 started and concluded the pilgrimage journey successfully was a testament to proper and effective planning by the State Government.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religious matters, Rev.Bukola Adeleke who prayed for the peace of Lagos State encouraged pilgrims not to relent on their oars in good doings and continue to imbibe the culture of love and oneness to the larger society.
The Board Chairman, Bishop Olusola Ore whilst speaking noted
that the 2019 general pilgrimage was challenging for him as the Board Chairman due to the rigorous planning involved but God saw him and the board members through. He acknowledged the team spirit of other Board members and in particular the State government role in ensuring an hitch free pilgrimage exercise.
Thanking God for the success of the programme, the Board Secretary, Mrs. Florence Yetunde Gbafe while giving her vote of thanks urged the Pilgrims to continue to live a holy life so that they can speak positively to their environment.
She said that the State had always maintained a lead in proper pilgrimage planning over the years, hence the reason for its outstanding performances and classic treatment accorded all its Pilgrims. Mrs Gbafe urged prospective sponsors to patronize the LSCPWB by sending their parents on pilgrimage as against throwing a party for them as birthday gifts.
Present at the Thanksgiving Service were Top government functionaries,renowned clerics and Captain of industries amongst others.
