A request has been issued to Christian Intending Pilgrims to pray for the peace of Lagos State, and hence the country, because peace fosters development and prosperity.
Very Rev. Bukola Adeleke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters (Christian), made the call during the airlift of the third batch of over 200 intending pilgrims to the Holy Land of Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan.
Speaking at an event organised by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB) in Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, the Special Adviser urged participants to seek God’s face in light of the country’s present state.
Very Rev. Adeleke said, “Let us pray for our dear nation. At a time like this it is God we can call on to deliver us, we need the divine hand of God Almighty. I urge you to call on God to intercede on behalf of our country”.
He also asked the pilgrims to follow the rules and regulations of the locations they visited and to be good ambassadors for Lagos State and Nigeria.
In his presentation, Mr. Sewedo Oluseyi Whenu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, urged pilgrims to participate in the spiritual activities planned for the pilgrimage exercise, saying that it would enrich their spiritual lives and make the journey spirit-filled.
He urged the pilgrims to focus on their contact with God and to return home as changed people, with Christ reflected in their daily activities.
Similarly, the Chairman of the LSCPWB, Rt. Revd. Akinpelu Johnson, warned pilgrims that the journey would sap their energies but would be spiritually fulfilling.
He also encouraged pilgrims to form friendships and obey tour guides while praying for a trouble-free pilgrimage.
Mrs. Florence Yetunde Gbafe, Executive Secretary of LSCPWB, praised the State Government for providing a platform for a seamless travel while highlighting the pilgrims’ journey routes.
She also noted that medical personnel will be on hand throughout the journey and encouraged pilgrims to consult them if they had any particular health issues.