Intending Christian Pilgrims to the Holy Land of Israel have been charged to be patriotic and refrain from acts that could tarnish the corporate image of the country, or jeopardise its interest.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, who gave the charged, described spiritual rebirth of citizens as strategic to the development of any nation on the strength that it brings the required attitudinal change and character rebranding.
The governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Friday during the departure service held for Ekiti Christian pilgrims ahead of their trip on spiritual journey to Jerusalem.
Speaking at an event held at the Government House Chapel, Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji, who was represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, appealed to the contingent to be zealous with the spiritual exercise, so that the gains can manifest in their lives.
“Spiritual rebirth of the citizens is very strategic to the growth and development of any nation. This is because it brings the necessary attitudinal change, character rebranding, increased holiness and Godliness.
“We desire a society that is corruption-free, where people can imbibe the fear of God in their operations and daily lives. I therefore charge you to pray not only for yourselves, but for our dear state, nation, and the world at large. We live in times that require our collective prayer and unity more than ever,” Oyebanji said.
He charged the pilgrims to be focused while in the holy land to maximize the gains inherent in the journey. “I plead that you do not engage in any act that can jeopardise the intentions of this pilgrimage and put our nation into unwarranted international embarrassment.
“You have to be above board in all your dealings and comportment. I pray that your pilgrimage will be filled with divine encounters, joy and spiritual fulfilment. May you return home with renewed faith and a stronger commitment to serve your communities, state and country.”
Reminding that the journey is spiritual, Oyebanji said it has become expedient for pilgrims to make necessary sacrifices and piety that can make their participations bear the expected fruits.
“I, however, wish to admonish you that as you prepare to leave, you must carry with you the values of love, peace, and unity that define our great state. You are ambassadors of our culture, traditions, and the spirit of Ekiti,” he charged.
The governor assured that the state government is committed to ensuring their safety and comfort during the pilgrimage, saying, “We have worked diligently with our partners to facilitate a smooth and blessed pilgrimage experience”.
In his short exhortation, Chaplain of the Government House, Pastor Segun Awolumate enjoined the pilgrims to embrace holiness as emphasised in the Bible for the pilgrimage to bear fruits and manifest positivity.
“I expect you to be holier and believe more in God after this journey. You have to be fully revived. Your prayers too must bring revival to Ekiti and Nigeria. The land you are visiting is not ordinary, it is filled with spirit and covenant of God. Make the good use of this opportunity,” he charged.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi, urged the contingent to strictly keep to the rudiments and rules of engagements in the Holy Land to avert actions that negate the laws.
Opeyemi added that their journey was basically about pilgrimage and not tourism, advising that they should keep to the tenets of such trip.
