The Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has held a thanksgiving service to celebrate the successful completion of the 2025 Holy Pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel.

The service, held at the United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) Theological College, Ajase-Ipo Road, Ilorin, was attended by government officials, pilgrims, their families, and members of the board, who gathered to give thanks to God and share testimonies on the success of the pilgrimage.

In his exhortation, Rev. Dr Gbenga Odebiri thanked God for the successful pilgrimage. He emphasised the significance of the journey and prayed that the physical sites visited in the Holy Land would strengthen the pilgrims' faith.

The Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, who represented the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at the event, also expressed gratitude to God for the successful journey.

She described the pilgrimage not merely as a physical trip but as a spiritual exercise, adding that the thanksgiving service should be marked by gratitude, reflection and renewed faith.

Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Matters, Rev. Timothy Oluwagbemiga Akangbe, welcomed the pilgrims and thanked God for their safe return.

He appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for his support towards the success of the programme and prayed for God's continued blessings upon him and the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Ajayi Bayo, also expressed gratitude to God for the hitch-free pilgrimage.

He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his consistent support and encouraged congregants to spread awareness about the existence and responsibilities of the board in Kwara State.