Ali. Muhammad Rabi’u.
Christian pilgrims from Kwara State have returned safely after completing their spiritual pilgrimage to biblical and historical sites in Jordan and Israel.
The pilgrims, who departed Nigeria on February 11, 2026, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:29 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, marking the successful conclusion of their spiritual exercise.
They were formally received on Sunday, February 22, 2026, by staff of the Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and their families after completing the 2025 pilgrimage exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Matters, Reverend Timothy Akangbe, thanks God for what he described as a smooth and hitch-free journey.
He noted that although the weather conditions differed from those in Nigeria, they were not harsh, and commended the pilgrims for their cooperation throughout the exercise.
Reverend Akangbe urged the pilgrims to apply the spiritual lessons and experiences gained during the pilgrimage to the glory of God.
He also expressed appreciation to the Governor for his support toward the success of the journey.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Kwara state Christians Pilgrims Welfare Board , Professor Timothy Opoola, described the pilgrimage period as a season of rejoicing and a new experience for the participants.
He disclosed that there were no emergencies and no cases of abscondment among the pilgrims, attributing the success of the exercise to their cooperation and the government’s support.
For his part, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Ajayi Bayo, described the journey as safe, successful, transformative, and spiritually enriching.
He disclosed that all 67 pilgrims returned safely, with no record of abscondment.
Some of the returning pilgrims expressed gratitude to God for journey mercies and thanked the state government and the Board for what they described as seamless arrangements and a successful spiritual exercise.
