By EbunOluwa Olagoke
In Nigeria, Christians consider embarking on a holy pilgrimage a major pathway to spiritual rejuvenation and growth. They believe that such spiritual endeavour fosters a deeper connection with their faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Pilgrimages, no doubt, offer Christians a personal encounter and spiritual revival, allowing for a deeper understanding of their faith and connection with God.
Pilgrimages to holy lands in Israel, Greece, and Rome connect believers to the birthplace of Jesus Christ and locations of his ministry, fostering a profound spiritual experience.
The exercise is considered a spiritual quest for rebirth and a means to strengthen faith and spiritual values.
This explains why the government, through the National Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), regularly organises Holy Pilgrimages for interested Christians, highlighting a significant national and spiritual investment in this spiritual exercise.
In Lagos State, Christian pilgrimages are organised and coordinated by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB) and involve travel to international holy sites like Israel and Jordan.
The LSCPWB ensures pilgrims’ safety and welfare, offering services such as accommodation, transport, security, and experienced guides. In Lagos, pilgrimages typically take place twice a year, in the July-August and November-December periods, though the timing can vary.
Over the years, the LSCPWB has become a reference point in pilgrimage in the country, with its seamless travel arrangement spiced with amazing spiritual experiences
It is noteworthy to stress that the LSCPWB has upped its game in the last six months. This, of course, is linked to the creative and inspiring leadership of the current Board Secretary, Dr Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi, Ph.D., who was appointed the substantive Board Secretary of the Board on 17th March 2025.
Without a doubt, the last six months have been impactful, purposeful, and strategic. Dr. Okudero’s leadership has given a glimmer of glorious things to come with the level of aggressive and consistent sensitization exercises and engagement carried out, which are geared towards improving our pilgrimage services’ patronage and increasing testimonies amongst our intending pilgrims.
One visible approach of Okudero is to constantly engage key stakeholders of the Board with a view to establishing a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship.
One of his earliest actions was a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission’s Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, in Abuja, aimed at strengthening ties and discussing smoother pilgrimage operations. He was accompanied on the trip by key directors of the Board.
At the auspicious meeting, Okudero received confirmation of NCPC’s full support. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Okudero and his team to strengthen ties with the Director of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka, and the Director of Operations, Mr. Sunday Udeh, who shared valuable perspectives on impactful leadership and operational excellence in pilgrimage management.
His focus has not only been about deepening external relations, but Okudero has also been stabilising the inner workings of the Board. He has instituted programmes that promote love, unity, and progress among the staff of the Board.
The weekly fellowship, which is held on Mondays and Wednesdays, has now been rebranded with fasting on Wednesdays and vigils on every 2nd Thursday of every month. The goal is to deepen the spiritual life of staff and intercede for Lagos State, intending pilgrims, and the Board’s operations.
ENGAGING THE MEDIA
Just within the first three months in office, Okudero has successfully engaged the media to strengthen partnership ties to enhance publicity and achieve the goals of the Board’s programs and activities. Toward this end, he has had engagements with Lagos Television, Eko FM/Radio Lagos, Lagos Traffic Radio, and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. He has appeared on live programs at Lagos Television, Eko FM, Radio Lagos, Lagos Traffic Radio, and Bond FM, all to promote pilgrimage services in Lagos State.
ENGAGEMENT WITH FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS
As part of the enhanced efforts to bring the services of the Board closer to its major stakeholders, the last six months, Okudero and his team had visited several faith-based organizations, including Pentecostal and orthodox churches such as Anglican Church, Methodist Church, Catholic Church, Christ Apostolic Church, Celestial Church, Cherubim and Seraphim, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Christ Living Spring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM), and Full Business Men Gospel Fellowships, among others.
ENGAGEMENT WITH GOVT MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS, AND AGENCIES (MDAs)
Within this short period in office, Okudero and his team have visited several MDAs at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. This is to keep the civil servants abreast of the Board’s pilgrimage services and the need to partner with it as ambassadors in their various churches, promoting Lagos State-owned pilgrimage services for wider reach and to boost patronage.
Notably amongst the MDAs visited are the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, where the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, helped facilitate the Board’s engagement with Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas at the May edition of the Conference’s 57th Meeting.
ENGAGEMENT WITH LGA AND LCDA TOURISM OFFICERS
Knowing the critical role that Tourism Officers play in promoting pilgrimage in their various constituencies, Okudero met with the officers to equip them with the necessary information and tools to promote pilgrimage services in their constituencies. This initiative aims to boost patronage and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
If what has been witnessed of the leadership style of Dr. Okudero in the last six months is anything to go by, all other things being equal, the future of the Board, no doubt, looks bright. With his wealth of experience and strategic approach, the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board is certainly poised for greater success in promoting pilgrimage services in Lagos.
Olagoke is Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ikeja.
