The 2026 Christian pilgrimage has formally commenced with the airlift of Christian pilgrims from Lagos State to Jordan and Israel for a 10-day spiritual exercise.
The pilgrims departed Lagos for Amman, Jordan, aboard a chartered aircraft, TAH 3103, marking the first batch of participants for the year’s pilgrimage programme.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the Director of Public Affairs of the National Christian Pilgrims Commission, Ebunoluwa Olagoke, said the successful departure signalled the official take-off of the 2026 Christian pilgrimage.
According to the statement, the commission’s representative, Venerable Joseph Chibuogwu, charged the pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the journey, particularly during interactions with immigration and security officials in their host countries.
Chibuogwu urged them to respond politely and truthfully to all inquiries, assuring the pilgrims of adequate care, guidance, and welfare support from the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board in collaboration with the commission.
He also cautioned the pilgrims against indiscipline, stressing that the pilgrimage was a spiritual exercise that required focus and restraint. The cleric advised them to pack all purchases in their checked luggage to avoid delays and security issues at airports.
Addressing health-related concerns, Chibuogwu encouraged pilgrims to declare all medications to relevant authorities and to be mindful of their diet during the trip.
He advised them to stick to familiar meals, saying, “Eat what you know and know what you eat,” to prevent avoidable health complications.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Okudero Omoniyi, disclosed that the pilgrims would commence their pilgrimage activities in Jordan before proceeding to Israel.
Omoniyi said the first batch of pilgrims was expected to arrive in Jordan on February 1, while arrangements had been concluded for the second batch, scheduled to depart Lagos on February 11.
The annual pilgrimage exercise is organised to enable Nigerian Christians visit biblical sites in Jordan and Israel, offering participants the opportunity for spiritual renewal and deeper understanding of the Christian faith.