The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced a comprehensive review of its pilgrimage operations, with a renewed commitment to strengthening pilgrims’ welfare, improving service delivery and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
This was part of the key outcomes of the ongoing two-day management retreat organised by the Board at Dover Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme: “Enhancing Pilgrims’ Welfare: Challenges and Opportunities.”
The retreat provides an opportunity for the management and staff of the Board to critically review previous pilgrimage exercises, identify operational gaps and develop practical strategies for improved service delivery to intending and returning pilgrims.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya, commended the Board for its efforts, particularly its expanded sensitisation programme, which he noted had extended to more churches, groups and other platforms.
He disclosed that the Board's sensitisation activities had generated positive feedback from members of the public, stressing the need for the Board to build on the progress recorded.
Ogunsanya also charged the Board to strengthen its visibility on social media and deploy digital platforms more effectively to reach intending pilgrims and the general public.
He said, “I really want to commend this Board. You have done well. We can still do better than what we did. All we need is to put in more energy and passion.”
The Permanent Secretary further identified the prevailing security situation in the Middle East as a major consideration in pilgrimage planning, particularly in assuring intending pilgrims of their safety. He called for continued review of operations and stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).
He also advocated greater attention to pilgrims’ comfort and welfare, including the provision of more local content in welfare services, such as making Nigerian meals available to pilgrims in the Holy Land.
Earlier, the Board Secretary, Dr. Gbolabo Omoniyi Okudero, said the retreat provided an opportunity for management and staff to step away from routine administrative activities and objectively assess the Board's operations.
He emphasised the importance of continuous improvement in order to sustain public confidence and ensure that pilgrims receive better services at every stage of the pilgrimage process. He assured the Permanent Secretary that the observations and recommendations arising from the retreat would receive due attention.
He stated further that the choice of the facilitators at the retreat was intentional; for instance, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, who had witnessed the operations of the Board on more than two occasions, was invited as the lead facilitator.
In his lecture, the Commissioner II, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, urged public servants involved in pilgrimage operations to remain worthy ambassadors of government and place the interests of citizens at the centre of service.
He emphasised the importance of loyalty, mentorship, diplomacy, emotional intelligence, etiquette and professionalism, while encouraging staff to sustain best practices and address identified shortcomings through continuous evaluation.
Bamgboye also highlighted the importance of technology to improve pilgrimage administration, particularly in areas such as registration and payment tracking.
On the health and wellness aspect of the retreat, Director, Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Dr. Rasheed Kolade, advised pilgrims and intending pilgrims to disclose pre-existing medical conditions before departure.
He emphasised the need for regular medical check-ups, physical exercise, healthy eating, adequate rest and other healthy lifestyle practices in reducing health risks during pilgrimage.
The retreat, which continues tomorrow, is expected to further strengthen the capacity of the Board and reinforce its commitment to a more responsive, technology-driven and welfare-focused pilgrimage management system.
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