The Lagos State government has initiated the sale of forms for the 2023/2024 pilgrimage to the “Holy Land of Rome and Greece,” as stated in an official announcement on Thursday via the Lagos State government’s official communication platform.
In response to the security challenges in Israel, which led to the suspension of the holy pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan in October, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs. Yetunde Florence Gbafe, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of intending pilgrims. Mrs. Gbafe highlighted that the decision to redirect the pilgrimage route to Rome and Greece aims to provide an alternative for Christians seeking a pilgrimage experience that guarantees their safety and allows them to follow the footsteps of the New Testament Apostles.
Mrs. Gbafe stated, “We want to ensure that Christians desiring a pilgrimage encounter are not deprived of the opportunity, hence the alternative arrangement until the security situation in Israel improves.”
Intending pilgrims were urged to acquire their forms at designated locations, including the Board’s Office at Old Secretariat, Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, Ikeja, or Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, with the next proposed pilgrimage scheduled for January 2024.
Despite the change in the pilgrimage route, Mrs. Gbafe assured intending pilgrims that the quality services and welfare packages provided by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board would remain unaffected. Additionally, she mentioned that the state government would cover expenses such as tickets, visas, accommodations, meals, and welfare materials upon the payment of the required pilgrimage fee.
