Christian pilgrims from Kwara State have safely returned to Nigeria after completing a spiritual pilgrimage to sacred sites in Jordan and Israel.
Their return was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bola Sadiq, and sighted by Arewa PUNCH in Ilorin.
According to the statement, the pilgrims departed Nigeria on February 11, 2026, and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 5:29 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, thus concluding the spiritual exercise without incident.
They were formally received the following day by officials of the Board and their family members amid thanksgiving and celebrations.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Matters, Rev. Timothy Oluwagbemiga Akangbe, he described the pilgrimage as smooth and hitch-free.
“We give all glory to God for granting us journey mercies and for ensuring that the pilgrimage was successful and peaceful,” he said.
Rev. Akangbe noted that while the weather conditions in the Middle East differed from those in Nigeria, they were bearable, hence, commending the pilgrims for their cooperation and discipline throughout the exercise.
The pilgrims conducted themselves admirably. There was unity, orderliness, and cooperation from start to finish,” he added.
He urged the participants to reflect the spiritual lessons gained during the pilgrimage in their daily lives and contribute positively to society.
The governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was also commended for his support towards the success of the pilgrimage
