2025 Ministerial Press Briefing: Lagos Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board Strengthens Partnerships to Enhance Pilgrimage Services

 



In a determined effort to heighten awareness and foster increased participation in Christian pilgrimage, the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (CPWB) has embarked upon a series of courtesy visits to strategic stakeholders across the state. These include Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Local Government Areas, Local Council Development Areas, Media Houses, Corporate Bodies, and an array of churches.

This initiative was duly reaffirmed during a ministerial press briefing held on Tuesday, delivered by the Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode. The event was convened in celebration of the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

The Honourable Commissioner lauded the proactive endeavours of the Board in cultivating partnerships across governmental entities, religious institutions, and the private sector to enrich the landscape of spiritual tourism in Lagos State.

He reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to providing holistic support and efficient services to Christian pilgrims within the state through a multitude of initiatives and collaborative efforts.

Particular commendation was extended to the Secretary of the Board, Dr. Gbolabo Okudero, and his dedicated team, for their steadfast devotion and strategic foresight in meticulously planning for a seamless pilgrimage experience for the Lagos contingent in the year 2025.

Furthermore, the Board’s recent visit to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development served to underscore its resolve in strengthening inter-agency cooperation. During the visit, Dr. Okudero led the delegation in discussions aimed at engaging Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairmen, facilitated through their routine monthly meetings coordinated by the Ministry.

"The Board is committed to enriching the pilgrimage experience while nurturing spiritual growth among the citizens of Lagos through sustained partnerships across the state. We are hopeful of a smooth and successful pilgrimage exercise this year," remarked Commissioner Layode.

In a parallel development, the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs has intensified its regulatory oversight of the money lending sector, in a bold move to enforce financial discipline and restore order within the industry.

The Honourable Commissioner highlighted the growing complexities faced by the Ministry in overseeing money lenders, noting the sharp increase in both registrations and infractions.

"As of the current year, we have recorded a total of 623 money lenders in Lagos. Of these, 474 represent new applicants from the previous year, while 147 have newly applied in the current period," he stated.

He further disclosed that a number of operators have failed to comply with stipulated licensing requirements.

"Among the 623, we have sanctioned and sealed the offices of 21 money lenders who failed to present themselves for licence renewal as mandated by the Ministry," he confirmed.

The Commissioner lamented that some errant lenders have attempted to circumvent regulatory scrutiny by altering the addresses of their registered offices without notifying the Ministry.

"Some operators deliberately change their office locations without due notification, impeding our routine supervisory functions. During our inspections, we have found that some no longer operate at the addresses previously submitted to the Ministry," he observed.

He also drew attention to the behaviour of certain citizens who attempt to exploit lending services, stating: "There are individuals who borrow funds with the intention of defaulting, believing they can evade responsibility. Such practices will not be tolerated in Lagos State. We are committed to upholding fairness for both lenders and borrowers alike, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial dealings."

In sum, the Ministry of Home Affairs remains resolute in its twin objectives: fostering the spiritual well-being of Christian pilgrims through effective partnerships, and safeguarding the integrity of the financial lending sector through strict regulatory compliance.

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