By Ngozi Nwankwo
Senator Simon Lalong, leader of the 7th batch of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission 2024 Main pilgrimage exercise, has urged Christian pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and Plateau State while in the holy land.
Speaking during the airlift of the 7th batch of intending Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Senator Lalong reminded the pilgrims to pray for President Bola Tinubu, the less privileged, and the government that sponsored their pilgrimage.
“A lot of things happen when you pray for Nigeria, your state, and yourself. Do not spoil the name of Nigeria, Plateau State, and be good pilgrims,” he said.
Lalong also emphasized the importance of praying for Christian leaders in Nigeria, unity, and God’s grace to overcome temptations.
He further urged the pilgrims to pray for permanent peace in Israel, the Middle East, and the entire world.
In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Simon Dolly, Federal Commissioner representing North Central on the Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance on abscondment.
Dolly urged the pilgrims to cooperate with each other while in the holy land and to pray for the leaders in government, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Rev. Wanson Bagu, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, reminded the pilgrims that they would be traveling as ambassadors of Christ, Nigeria, and Plateau State.
Bagu urged them to maintain a good reputation while in the holy land, stating that abscondment cannot solve any problem.