Plateau State Governor has challenged the 2023 Christian Pilgrims in the state to use the opportunity of visiting the Holy Land to pray for a peaceful transition to power for the state and Nigeria as a whole.
He gave the charge Monday, May 13, 2023, at Government House Chapel during the farewell ceremony for the intending pilgrims.
The NIGERIA STANDARD reports that 420 persons are performing the 2023 pilgrimage.
The governor reminded them that the spiritual exercise goes a long way in reaffirming their faith and rejuvenating their connection with God and should be seen as an opportunity to develop themselves spiritually to draw closer to God.
“I hope that you will come back with fond memories and experiences that widen your horizon to the truth of the Word of God and universality of His love”, he said.
He called on the pilgrims to exhibit good behavior, warning that the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission has put in place stringent measures to check unwholesome conducts such as abscondment by some pilgrims, who choose to use the exercise as a cover for irregular migration.
Lalong also warned that any pilgrim caught trying to abscond will be made to face the full wrath of the law for attempting to bring the name of Plateau State and Nigeria to disrepute.
He commended those on self-sponsorship for devoting their resources for the all-important spiritual exercise, adding that the current economic situation has made government unable to always bear the huge burden of sponsoring pilgrims to the Holy Land.
“Pray for Plateau State and Nigeria to have a smooth transition and also experience more stability, prosperity and happiness”.
“Please pray earnestly for Plateau and Nigeria while you are there. Those who are coming into office in a few months need God’s guidance and direction”, Lalong said.
Executive Secretary, Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Board, Rev. Fr. George Gorap in his remarks praised Governor Lalong for sponsoring the highest number of pilgrims in the history of the state.
Gorap disclosed: “Since 2017, Plateau State had had the highest number of sponsorship of pilgrims and this has earned our governor the name the ‘pilgrims’ friendly governor’, he said”.
“The total number of pilgrims sponsored by Governor Lalong is 4,570”, he disclosed.
Rev. Dachomo Sylvester Davou, in a sermon tasked the pilgrims to be of good conduct while in the Holy Land by being good ambassadors of the state and country and strive to reflect the virtues of Jesus.
