The Governor Of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged the intending Christain Pilgrims sojourning to the Holy Land of Israel to be patriotic and refrain from acts that could jeopardize the interest and corporate image of Nigeria.
Oyebanji described spiritual rebirth of citizens as strategic to the development of any nation on the strength that it brings the required attitudinal change and character rebranding.
The governor gave the charge in Ado Ekiti, on Friday, during a departure service held for Ekiti’s Christain Pilgrims, who are proceeding on spiritual journey to Jerusalem.
Speaking at an event held at the Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, appealed to the contingents to be zealous with the spiritual exercise, so that the gains can manifest in their lives.
“Spiritual rebirth of the citizens is very strategic to the growth and development of any nation. This is because it brings the necessary attitudinal change, character rebranding, increased holiness and Godliness.
“We desire a society that is corruption- free, where people can imbibe the fear of God in their operations and daily lives. I therefore charge you to pray not only for yourselves, but for our dear state, nation, and the world at large. We live in times that require our collective prayer and unity more than ever.
“I charge you to be focused when you get to the holy land for you to maximally derive the gains inherent in this journey. I plead that you do not engage in any act that can jeopardise the intentions of this pilgrimage and put our nation into unwarranted international embarrassment.
“You have to be above board in all your dealings and comportment. I pray that your pilgrimage will be filled with divine encounters, joy and spiritual fulfilment. May you return home with renewed faith and a stronger commitment to serve your communities, state and country “.
Oyebanji reminded the pilgrims that the journey is not physical, but spiritual, which makes it expedient for them to make the necessary sacrifices and piety that can make their participations bear the expected fruits.
“I, however, wish to admonish you that as you prepare to leave, you must carry with you the values of love, peace, and unity that define our great state. You are ambassadors of our culture, traditions, and the spirit of Ekiti.
“I want to assure you that the state government is committed to ensuring your safety and comfort during this journey. We have worked diligently with our partners to facilitate a smooth and blessed pilgrimage experience”.
In his admonition, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi, urged the contingents to stringently keep to the rudiments and rules of engagements at the holy land to avert actions that negate the laws.
Opeyemi added that their journey was basically about pilgrimage and not tourism, advising that they should keep to the tenets of such voyage, he emphasized was predominantly a spiritual exploration.
In his short exhortation, the Government House Chaplain, Pastor Segun Awolumate, said the bible emphasized that blessed are those who embarked on spiritual voyage, stressing that such can only bear fruits and manifest positivity, if they embrace holiness.
“I expect you to be holier and believe more in God after this journey. You have to be fully revived. Your prayers too must bring revival to Ekiti and Nigeria. The land you are visiting is not ordinary, it is filled with spirit and covenant of God. Make good use of this opportunity”.
Present at the departure service are: The Secretary, Ekiti State Christians’ Pilgrimage Welfare Board, Mr. Sunkanmi Adu, Ekiti State Chairman, Christians’ Association of Nigeria(CAN) and Chairman, Christians’ Pilgrimage Welfare Board, Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, among others.