The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has begun reviewing its pilgrimage operations as part of efforts to improve pilgrims’ welfare, retrain personnel and strengthen service delivery for both intending and returning pilgrims.
The decision followed a two-day retreat held in Lagos with the theme, “Enhancing Pilgrims Welfare: The Challenges and Opportunities.” The retreat brought together officials and stakeholders to examine challenges affecting Christian pilgrimage operations and develop strategies for improving pilgrims’ experiences.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya, identified the prevailing security situation in the Middle East as a major challenge, particularly in assuring intending pilgrims that the journey can be undertaken safely.
Ogunsanya said the retreat provided an opportunity to review previous pilgrimage exercises, identify areas needing improvement and introduce innovations that would enhance pilgrims’ experiences. He also disclosed plans to strengthen the Board’s social media presence to improve communication with intending pilgrims and the general public.
He added that the Board would deepen its collaboration with the National Christian Pilgrims Commission and explore ways to introduce more local content into welfare services for Lagos pilgrims in Jerusalem, including making Nigerian meals more readily available.
The Board Secretary, Gbolabo Omoniyi Okudero, said the retreat enabled management to objectively assess previous operations outside the demands of daily office activities. He stressed the need for continuous improvement to sustain citizens’ confidence and ensure pilgrims receive better services throughout the pilgrimage process.
Also speaking, the Commissioner 2, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, urged public servants involved in pilgrimage operations to remain worthy ambassadors of government and put citizens’ interests at the centre of their responsibilities. He encouraged officials to maintain practices that had yielded positive results while addressing identified shortcomings through regular evaluation.
On pilgrims’ health, the Director of Staff Health Services, Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Dr. Abdulrasheed Kolade, advised intending pilgrims to disclose existing medical conditions before travelling. He also recommended regular medical check-ups, physical exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep and other healthy lifestyle practices to reduce the risk of health complications during pilgrimage.
Dr. Kolade further urged Nigerians to seek medical attention whenever necessary, noting that healthcare professionals would be available to provide support and manage existing or emerging health conditions.
The retreat highlighted the Board’s intention to move beyond traditional pilgrimage management towards a more responsive, technology-driven and welfare-focused approach.
