The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to the contingents on pilgrimage to holy land of Israel to hold the flag high and protect Nigeria’s integrity and honour, describing the exercise as fully spiritual and not a leisure or fun-seeking trip.
The governor was of the perspective that any public misdemeanour from the pilgrims at the global scene could portray the Nigerians as being lawless and dishonourable in the eye of the world.
The Ekiti’s number one citizen, gave the appeal, on Friday, during a departure service held for the 38 intending pilgrims, held at the Government House Chapel, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The brief programme featured bible exhortation and prayers for the intending pilgrims and Ekiti at large.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, urged the pilgrims to remember that Ekiti is in election year, with Governorship poll holding on June 20, saying this makes it imperative for them to fervently pray for peace and unity, rather than placing prime on leisure, tourism and fun-seeking.
He warned that their conducts and comportment will send a signal to the outside world about the true nature and character of the Nigerian citizens in holy land.
Oyebanji described the trip as opportunity for the pilgrims to seek personal spiritual rebirth and fortification before God and avenue to offer prayers for the unity, peace and security of the Nigerian nation, down to the subnational level.
He counseled them against perceiving the spiritual journey as mere jamboree and opportunity to seek fun abroad.
”A pilgrimage is a journey of faith, one that calls for humility, discipline, obedience, and total dependence on God. As you set out, you are not only going as individuals, but as representatives of Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
”Our Government recognizes the spiritual importance of pilgrimage and remains committed to supporting faith-based activities that promote moral values, peaceful coexistence, and the fear of God, which are essential for the development of our State and nation.
”As you journey to the holy land, I urge you to conduct yourselves with dignity, patience, and love. Be good ambassadors of Ekiti State. Obey the rules and regulations guiding the pilgrimage, respect constituted authorities, and maintain unity among yourselves. Remember that your actions and utterances will reflect on our State.
”As you depart, may the Almighty God grant you journey mercies, divine protection, good health, and a spiritually rewarding experience. May He brings you back home safely, joyfully, and with testimonies that will strengthen our collective faith”.
Admonishing the contingents against misusing the spiritual trip in his exhortation, the Government’s House Chaplain, Pastor Segun Awolumate, maintained that the voyage was ordained by God, as it attested to the way Jesus Christ traveled from Nazareth to Jerusalem as a child.
Speaking in general terms, Awolumate, said traveling was universally acclaimed to be opportunity to acquire more intellectual endowment, better education, learning, hospitality, socialization and happiness, besides the ultimate spiritual rebranding inherent in it.
“When you traveled, you expand your mental horizons and creativity, so that we can do things in different ways. It creates lasting memory in our lives.
“But when you visit holy land, you become more conscious of your actions and walk in the footpath of Jesus Christ. It gives spiritual opportunity to connect with God and Jesus Christ. It takes us back to our roots.
“Don’t come back from this journey the same way. It is not about praying alone, learn new things that can add value to your lives and your communities. If you come back from this trip without any new thing in your lives, then you have wasted your money and time. Don’t come back without transformation and without knowing Jesus better”.
The Chairman, Christians’ Association of Nigeria(CAN), Ekiti chapter, Dr. Emmanuel Aribasoye, saluted Governor Oyebanji for subsidising the trip and prayed for the pilgrims’ safe return to Ekiti to reunite with their families.