Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (left), acknowledging cheers from Oyo State Hajj 2024 Intending Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, during the farewell ceremony in Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo Gov's Media Unit.
Be Good Ambassadors, Ogun Gov Tells Pilgrims
Pilgrims to Israel from Ogun State have been charged to steer clear from actions that could bring the image of the state to disrepute while in the Holy Land.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun Secretary, gave the charge on Wednesday during a farewell messages to the intending pilgrims at the Obas Complex, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the state government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, urged them to fear God in all their dealings as they perform the spiritual exercise.
The governor also admonished them to pray for the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun to lift the state higher than how it was met, and the nation as well, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stated that “pilgrimage was not just for tour but for a spiritual journey” and emphasized that as a praying State that believes and holds unto God, the official assignment of the pilgrims was to “truly seek the face of God, pray, and intercede on behalf of the State”.
Also, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, advised them to be security conscious and be their brother’s keeper during the exercise.
“You are our representatives in the Holy Land. Pray for our dear state in particular and Nigeria as a whole.” Taiwo said.
He charged them to be law-abiding so as not to endanger or jeopardize the image of the State.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Oduyemi Ibiyemi, thanked Governor Abiodun for making funds available for Christians to embark on the holy assignment, adding that even with the countless projects across the State, “Governor Abiodun still made funds available for the pilgrimage”.
Mr. Ibiyemi promised that the pilgrims would not engage in anything untoward throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
A total of 101 pilgrims from the State, made up of 54 men and 47 women, are expected to undertake the holy pilgrimage this year to Israel for 10 days.
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