LAGOS PROMISES BETTER WELFARE PACKAGE FOR 2018 PILGRIMS

Ahead of the 2018 pilgrimage, Lagos State Government has said that it has concluded plans to make the journey a worthwhile experience for all intending pilgrims who will be travelling to the Holy Land of Jerusalem, Greece and Rome for the annual Christian pilgrimage conducted by the State Christian Pilgrims and Welfare Board.

Speaking at the thanksgiving service for year 2017 holy pilgrimage returnees, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi said that in spite of the several commendations received by the State Government for the orderly conduct of the 2017 pilgrimage, the State government has concluded plans to make the 2018 edition of the exercise a more memorable journey for all intending pilgrims.

She maintained that the State government will continue to sustain its tradition of surpassing the pilgrimage experience of every successive year, saying that the year 2018 pilgrimage will not be an exception because the government will not cease to explore creative ways to make the journey more attractive and less stressful for the participants.

“2018 welfare packages will be bigger and better. We assure you the process will be easier. Lagos State Government will continue to support pilgrims; this we will achieve by making the journey experience convenient for everyone”, she stated.

While advising intending pilgrims to make the Board a preferred choice, the Permanent Secretary promised that the State government will continue to protect the interest of the pilgrims and ensure adequate safety before, during and after the holy pilgrimage.

“Go and bring more people. It is not because we want to make money, but we want people to see, feel and be able to tell the history in the Bible”, Awoseyi said.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Kolawole Verrals told the pilgrims to ensure they exhibit the Godly virtues displayed in the Holy Land for the good of the society.

Delivering a sermon on the theme “Proclaiming His Praise”, the Chairman, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Olusola Ore encouraged the pilgrims to always give praise to God in any situation they find themselves in life, saying that God is capable of turning every situation around for good.

“No matter the situation in life, praise Him (God) and He will do it. Do not be discouraged by your situation, just praise Him, because you were created for His praise”, the Chairman reaffirmed.

The thanksgiving session of the State was led by the wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode and Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Adesoye alongside other State government officials.