By Ngozi Nwankwo
The Executive Secretary
of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission,NCPC ,Bishop Stephen Adegbite has enjoined Delta State Intending Pilgrims to be good Ambassadors of their state and the country in the Holy Land of Israel and Jordan.
Adegbite who was represented by the South South Zonal Coordinator of NCPC, Nkaiso Edemenang gave the advice during the screening of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise to the Holy Land in Asaba, the state capital.
He urged them to protect the image of their state and not bring shame upon their state, by attempting to abscond in the course of the pilgrimage exercise.
Adegbite said the Commission was keen in ensuring the successful pilgrimage exercise that will bring honour to the state and nation at large.
He advised the intending Pilgrims to endeavor to provide accurate information in the course of the screening.
Speaking further, he said the Commission was in touch with the Nigeria Embassy in the State of Israel and working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that the safety of all Nigerian pilgrims is guaranteed.
On his part the Federal Commissioner NCPC, South South, Chief Hon Prince Weli Wosu, said the Pilgrim’s journey to the Holy Land was not for business sake but a spiritual exercise, hence the need for them to be prepared to commit the state and the country to God Almighty.
Wosu advised them to be of good character and not bring shame upon the state, adding that there are penalties for whoever attempts to go against the rules.
Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori also charged intending pilgrims of the state for the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise to the Holy Land to be good representatives of the state.
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner of the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Etagherure Terry gave the charge during the screening exercise of the intending pilgrims in Asaba.
He urged them to take advantage of the pilgrimage to pray for the state, Deltans and the nation, adding that they should be prayerfully involved in the exercise.
He advised them to listen and follow the instruction of their spiritual fathers and leaders
The Governor urged them not to attempt to abscond, so as not to bring reproach on the state and their guarantors.
Addressing them, he advised persons with health issues to have a rethink by not embarking on the journey.
According to him , the two hundred and fifty intending pilgrims will be visiting Israel and Jordan.
Speaking on the criteria for the successful screening, the state Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, said they will undergo medical checkup, genuineness of their passport by the immigration, amongst others.