Chidimma Uchegbu – Abuja
The first flight of Christian pilgrims in the holy land arrived in Nasareth, Israel, on 28th December, 2024, as part of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage Exercise. The group, comprising mainly pilgrims from Lagos state converged on Tabar Hotel in Nasareth for a combined Sunday service.
According to the statement signed by the Director Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka said the service featured a Bible lesson read by Hon. Mrs. Omowunmi Ogunlola, Federal Commissioner representing South West in the Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC). The lesson, taken from Joel 2:18-27, dwelled on God’s restoration of Israel’s glory.
Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, delivered a sermon titled “Restoration of Nigerian Hope.” He emphasized the need for collective prayer and cooperation with God to restore Nigeria’s glory.
The pilgrims offered prayers for Nigeria, its leaders, and citizens, seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and restoration. The prayers focused on the restoration of Nigeria’s glory, guidance and wisdom for leaders, circumcision of leaders’ hearts for sacrifice and service, and grace for leaders to finish strongly.
Bishop Johnson expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for facilitating this year’s pilgrimage exercise, despite the challenges posed by the Hamas militant group’s attack on Israel last October.
The first flight of Christian pilgrims have been in the holy land for seven days, having departed Nigeria on 22nd December, 2024. The pilgrimage exercise continues with prayers and reflections on the theme “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration.”
