By Iliya Kure
The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), Thursday, commenced the airlift of 250 Christian Pilgrims to the Kingdom of Jordan, with a charge to the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the State and Nigeria.
Addressing pilgrims before the commencement of the airlifting ceremony at Christ the Light Chapel, Alausa, Ikeja, Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religion, Rev. Olubukola Adeleke, urged the pilgrims to use the opportunity of the exercise to pray for Lagos State and by extension Nigeria.
He enjoined them to see the pilgrimage as a spiritual exercise and not for sight-seeing alone, appealing to participants to remain good ambassadors of the State and Country.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), Mrs. Florence Yetunde Gbafe, commended the State Government for providing the platform for a seamless journey, informing the 250 Pilgrims that the journey will be energy-sapping, thus they should consult medical personnel on the team pertaining to any personal health issue they might have.
A Board member of the LSCPWB, Sir Folusho Adekoya, in his remarks implored the pilgrims to be very prayerful in
order to have an encounter with the Lord and solidify their faith in Christ.
Earlier in an address, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam, stated that the pilgrimage to Jordan is not to replace that of Jerusalem but an opportunity to explore Jordan as part of the holy sites mentioned in the Bible.
Rev. Pam said, “Jordan is not a replacement for Jerusalem as it is just like going to Greece or Rome for pilgrimage. This is part of the mandate of NCPC, which states that Israel and other holy lands as contained in the bible can be visited for pilgrimage”.
While imploring the pilgrims to obey the instructions of their tour guide during the exercise, he urged them to note that the journey is not for individual benefits alone, therefore, they should pray fervently for the progress of the State and country.
The Executive Secretary also used the opportunity to charge the pilgrims to observe all COVID-19 protocols and obey spiritual authority, maintaining that arrangements for their feeding, accommodation and security have been made.
He, however, warned those with the mindset of using the pilgrimage exercise to abscond the country to reconsider their stance as adequate checks have been put in place to prevent such acts.