Leadnaija
A total of 290 intending pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory have departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to perform the 2023/ 2024 main Christian pilgrimage.
FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, while asking the contingents to pray for the country, reminded them that pilgrimage is neither a jamboree nor tourism, but a spiritual call to strengthen one’s faith to attain a new level of spirituality and responsibility.
Mahmoud, in her keynote address during the pre-departure orientation for intending pilgrims, reminded them that pilgrimage as a religious practice has an unquantifiable blessings, she however, urged them to use the opportunity to pray for the nation and its leadership at all levels for peace, progress, growth and development.
“I believe that through our collective prayers, God will continue to lead our country in the part of greatness. While in the Holylands, remember you have responsibility,” she stressed.
She also charged them to respect the laws of the host nations while there and stay away from any misconduct that will be capable of showing Nigeria in bad light or to embarrass the FCT and Nigeria at large.
The Minister used the occasion to commend the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite for his giant strides in coordinating the Christian pilgrimage nationwide over the years.
In her goodwill message, the FCT Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo reiterated the need for every pilgrim to pray for Nigeria.
She charged the pilgrims to take spiritual responsibility while in the Holy Land and make the best of the pilgrimage.
Earlier, the Director, FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Gloria Dandam who was particularly thankful to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud for facilitating the trip said the trip was not an ordinary trip but a spiritual journey.
She assured that experts from various areas have been carefully selected to equip Pilgrims with the essential tips that would help them while performing the sacred journey.
The long awaited 2023/2024 pilgrimage that was put on hold due the Israeli–Gaza conflict finally kicked off on 2nd January, 2025.Don’t Miss Out! READ FULL ARTICLE
