Pilgrims Board flags low awareness, ramps up sensitisation drive

By Zainab Olufemi

The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has identified low public awareness as a major challenge limiting participation in its pilgrimage programmes, even as it unveiled plans to intensify sensitisation across churches, media platforms, and grassroots institutions ahead of the 2026 exercise.

Board Secretary, Dr. Gbolabo Omoniyi, disclosed this during a media roundtable held at the Board’s Conference Room in Ikeja to mark his one year in office.

According to him, despite growing interest among Christians in Lagos, many intending pilgrims remain unaware of the structured, state-backed pilgrimage process or are uncertain about how to participate.

“One of the most persistent challenges is awareness. Lagos is vast, with millions of Christians across denominations. Many are interested in the Holy Land experience but do not fully understand the process or even know the opportunity exists,” he said.

He added that to address the gap, the Board has adopted a multi-channel sensitisation strategy, including media engagements, church visitations, and collaboration with local government structures.

Omoniyi said the Board leveraged broadcast platforms such as Lagos Television, Eko FM, Radio Lagos, Lagos Traffic Radio, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria to widen its reach, alongside direct engagement with churches and Christian organisations.

He stated that a breakthrough came during a statewide engagement with all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, where the Board interfaced with council chairmen to deepen grassroots awareness.

According to him, the Board also worked closely with the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission to improve coordination and service delivery, a move he said contributed to the success of the 2025 pilgrimage exercise.

“Over 400 Lagos pilgrims participated in the exercise, travelling in two batches between January 31 and February 21, 2026. All participants, according to the Board, returned safely after undergoing administrative, medical, and spiritual preparations,” he said.

Beyond logistics, the Board emphasised structured screening processes and orientation programmes to ensure pilgrims are adequately prepared before departure.

Omoniyi said the 2026 agenda would focus on expanding sensitisation efforts, strengthening institutional partnerships, and improving the pilgrim experience.

“We will deepen our media presence, expand church engagements, and continue working with local government tourism officers as grassroots ambassadors. The goal is to ensure no interested Lagos Christian is left uninformed,” he said.

He also urged intending pilgrims to begin early registration, noting that the Board has put in place transparent and standardised procedures in line with federal guidelines.

He reiterated its mandate to coordinate Christian pilgrimage activities on behalf of the state, describing pilgrimage as both a spiritual exercise and a public service requiring accountability and effective administration.

The Board noted that the agency would continue to bridge the awareness gap while ensuring that pilgrimage remains accessible, organised, and spiritually enriching for Lagos Christians.