The Kogi State Government has charged the 210 intending Christian Pilgrims from the State to use this year’s Pilgrimage to experience the truths about Christianity.
The Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, made the appeal at a seminar organized for intending Pilgrims from the State held at the Apostolic Church, Ajara quarters, Lokoja,by the Kogi State Christian Pilgrimage Commission.
Represented by his Deputy Yomi Awoniyi, urged the intending Pilgrims to focus on divine aspect for spiritual transformation while in the holy land.
While noting that the exercise should not be seen as a jamboree, said it should afford the unique opportunity for a fresh encounter with God as written in the holy Bible.
The State Governor, congratulated the intending Pilgrims, urged them to use the spiritual exercise to pray for a turning point for the State and the present administration.
Capt Wada disclosed that the current challenges facing the nation is surmountable, calls for intense prayers and supplication from the pilgrims while in the holy land.
In his goodwill message, Prof. Ologbemiro Jegede, Secretary to the State Government, urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the State while in the holy land, said their stay in the holy land should be dedicated for self reflection and spiritual rejuvenation.
Earlier in his speech, the Executive Secretary Kogi State Pilgrims Commission, Egwuda Samuel, said the seminar was organized to acquaint the pilgrims on what is expected of them while in the holy land.
He called on the intending Pilgrims to while in the holy land adhere strictly to rules and regulations guiding the pilgrimage and commended the support of the State Government in making this year’s pilgrimage a success.
At a seminar organised for the pilgrims today at the State Government House, they were charged to display a high sense of responsibility and shun all acts that are unbiblical while in Israel.
Capt. Idris Wada, gave the charge in a farewell address to this year’s intending Pilgrims to Jerusalem, from the State urging the pilgrims to see the exercise as spiritual and admonished them to pray for the country.
The Governor who applauded the spirit of religious harmony existing in the State, said it must never be taken for granted, wished the pilgrims a successful 2013 pilgrimage.
Highlight of the farewell programme was the offering of prayers for Nigeria, people and Government of Kogi State as well as the presentation of medal to the State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi as the leader of the state delegation to the 2013 pilgrimage to the holy land.
