The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has refunded outstanding pilgrimage fees to intending pilgrims who were unable to participate in the 2025 pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Board Secretary, Dr. Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi, who commended the affected pilgrims for their patience and understanding throughout the refund process.
Dr. Omoniyi expressed appreciation for the maturity, faith, and cooperation demonstrated by the intending pilgrims during the period of uncertainty, noting that their conduct further strengthened the trust between the Board and the Christian community in Lagos State.
According to him, the inability of some pilgrims to secure visas, which prevented their participation in the pilgrimage, was beyond the Board’s control.
“The denial of visas was beyond our control, but the patience and understanding shown by our intending pilgrims while waiting for their refunds have been exemplary. We are grateful for your faith and for your understanding,” he said.
The Board Secretary also praised Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his prompt intervention and commitment to transparency, which ensured that all affected pilgrims received their refunds without undue delay.
Looking ahead to the 2026 pilgrimage exercise, Dr. Omoniyi expressed optimism that intending pilgrims would enjoy favourable visa approvals and seamless travel arrangements. He disclosed that sensitisation activities for the next pilgrimage have commenced and that the Board is now accepting fresh applications for 2026.
He urged Lagos Christians to continue to place their trust in the Board, assuring them of its commitment to providing a well-organised and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience to the Holy Land.
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