This was contained in a statement signed by the Spokesperson, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Celestine Toruka, on Thursday.
At the flag-off of the 2023 Easter Pilgrimage completion exercise, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume noted that pilgrimage should not be seen as a tourist event, but as a spiritual exercise.
The SGF who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Service Office, Maurice Mbaeri, urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria and the government so that Nigeria could take its rightful place in the comity of nations.
He urged them to shun any tendencies that would tarnish the image of the country.
Akume stated, “We expect all the pilgrims back to the country. No one should abscond. You must be good Ambassadors of your country”.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary NCPC, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam described the event as a special one for coming to reality after a few months of suspension of the exercise.
Pam, appreciated President Bola TInubu for his support and intervention in making the Easter pilgrimage completion exercise a reality.
He hinted that the Easter pilgrimage completion exercise would be made up of three batches after which the Commission would focus on the 2023 general Pilgrimage exercise scheduled for December.
The Executive Secretary therefore urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Tinubu and their states while in the holy land.
“Over 300 intending pilgrims were airlifted to Israel and Jordan, which comprised FCT, Bayelsa and Imo,” the statement added.
