A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has urged Christians, who embark on holy pilgrimage to Israel see it as an opportunity to intercede for Nigeria and not for politics or religion.

According to him, the warning becomes necessary because of the ongoing security challenges, especially the Boko Haram menace, confronting the country.

A statement on Saturday in Abuja by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission by its Head of Media, Mr. Celestine Ogugua, said Gowon said this while featuring as the guest of honour during the maiden Jerusalem pilgrims sensitisation/appreciation dinner organised by the commission.

He said, “The sensitisation of pilgrims is to pray for ourselves and the nation and not just another adventure in tourism. Pilgrimage is a spiritual exercise where you pray for yourself, the nation and your family. It is not for politics or religion.”

Gowon encouraged sponsors of pilgrims over the years not to relent in doing good, but to continue to be a source of blessing to the lives of others, who could not afford the cost of pilgrimage.

The ex-Head of State commended the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Opara, for his excellence, hard work and commitment, which had changed the face of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria, adding, “You lose more when you do not appreciate former deeds of kindness.”

Opara thanked all Jerusalem pilgrims for honouring the invitation to dine together.

“You have gathered to affirm greatness and with God on our side, we shall succeed in this drive,” he said.

He commended a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his support and yearly sponsorship of thousands of Southern and northern Christians to the pilgrimage during his tenure as governor.

He also informed stakeholders about the four phases of pilgrimage of the commission, which are the Easter pilgrimage (March – April); Youth pilgrimage (July); Family pilgrimage (August) and the main pilgrimage usually held between October and December.


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o.k

Do we do anything for God's sake in this country?

For those who go on pilgrimage