Kazeem Owoseni
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Reverend Yakubu Pam has urged the intending pilgrims to pray fervently for Nigeria, stay away from any form of pleasure, and be good representatives of the country during their journey to the Holy land.
He made the appeal on Wednesday, while bidding farewell to 300 intending pilgrims from Edo and some private sponsored persons, who departed for Israel and Jordan from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.
In his words of advice, He said, “Seek for prayers and not pleasure, continue to pray for peaceful coexistence of the nation while in the Holy Land.”
While speaking further, the Reverend urged them to pray for peaceful and successful elections and a stable economy after the election, in the country.
He said, “This is the 7th and last batch before the general elections and I believe you are going to seal up all the prayers other pilgrims and Nigerians have made for the country.”
While cautioning them against smuggling illicit substances to the Holy Land, the Secretary warned them avoid any form of act that would tarnish the image of the country.
He said, “You must avoid anything that will tarnish the image of the country, while carrying out the spiritual activities in the Holy Land.”
The Executive Secretary, who expressed satisfaction in the return of pilgrims from other states, who came back home without any negative report during and after their stay in the Holy land, prayed that this batch will also return in peace.”
“I pray you all return without any single case of absconding.” He said
However, the Chairman Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board Mr Audu Dabara, also told the intending pilgrims that the exercise was a part way to eternity and a means to develop one’s spiritual life.
He further advised them to be orderly and keep to all rules and pray fervently for a better nation, before and after the coming elections.