In a bid to strengthen awareness and participation in Christian pilgrimage, the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (CPWB) has paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to seek collaboration in promoting pilgrimage services among stakeholders.

Leading the delegation, Dr. Gbolabo Okudero, Secretary of the Board, expressed the CPWB’s desire to engage directly with Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairmen through their regular monthly meetings facilitated by the Ministry. “We deeply appreciate the pivotal role your Ministry plays in coordinating LGA and LCDA affairs. We hope to leverage this platform to gain access to the Honourable Chairmen, seeking their support in championing pilgrimage programmes,” he stated.

Dr. Okudero also proposed a sensitisation session for staff of the Ministry who may be interested in participating in upcoming pilgrimage opportunities. “We believe that awareness drives participation. Many public servants may not be fully informed about the spiritual, emotional, and organisational benefits of our well-structured pilgrimage services. That’s why we are proactively visiting MDAs,” he noted.

He further encouraged staff members to act as informal ambassadors by sharing information within their faith communities. He assured the Board’s readiness to honour invitations to churches and fellowships for further sensitisation.

In her response, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration that aligns with the broader objectives of the Lagos State Government. She noted that the Ministry’s mandate extends beyond LGAs and LCDAs, pledging to engage other stakeholders under its jurisdiction to support the CPWB’s programmes.

This strategic visit reinforces the CPWB’s commitment to deepening spiritual growth among Lagosians through inclusive and well-coordinated pilgrimage activities.