The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has urged intending Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan to shun all vices capable of bringing disrepute to the image of Nigeria while in the holy land.
Mustapha, represented by Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the SGF, gave the advice in Abuja on Thursday during the dedication service for intending pilgrims to Israel and Jordan.
He counselled the pilgrims to pray for the sustenance of peace and unity in the country, portraying the image of Nigeria positively and resolve to be good ambassadors of the country.
He said: “You are expected to conduct yourselves in the best behaviour worthy of emulation.
“We expect all pilgrims back by the special grace of God, meaning that no one should abscond. You must be good ambassadors of Nigeria wherever you go.”
He also reminded the intending pilgrims of the need to adhere to all health instructions.
“Let me again remind you that COVID-19 is real and still causing havoc in some parts of the world.
“There are currently variances of concern that are very contagious and deadly,” the SGF said.
Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam, advised the pilgrims to embark on the pilgrimage with the intention of achieving spiritual rebirth by focusing on the spiritual aspect of the exercise.
“This is the first time Christians are embarking on pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan combined together.
“We’ve given this pilgrimage a theme, ‘Pilgrimage for Sustainable National Development’. Our country presently needs peace which is usually the antecedent of development.
“I’ll urge all pilgrims to pray for peace so that we can have development in Nigeria, ‘’ Pam said. (NAN)
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