President Goodluck Jonathan will be accompanied on the Christian pilgrimage to Israel come October 22, 2013, by no fewer than 19 state governors, as well as some serving ministers.
This was disclosed yesterday by President Jonathan during the flag-off of the 2013 Christian pilgrimage to Israel, Rome and Greece.
Represented by the Senate President, David Mark, Mr. Jonathan explained that the pilgrimage exercise was not a business trip or jamboree, but a spiritual journey which its importance could not be over-emphasised.
He also decried the commercialization of the pilgrimage exercise just as he admonished pilgrims to shun acts capable of denting the country’s image.
The president also called on the pilgrims to pray for the genuine transformation of the country, especially as the country was grappling with both political and spiritual challenges.
“Nigeria needs both political and spiritual transformation. The country is facing a lot challenges, hence this pilgrimage exercise will serve as an intercessory tool for the nation to seek the face of God in this trying moment of our national life.
Speaking earlier, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kennedy Opara, urged the pilgrims to be ambassadors of the country while in the Holy Land.
This year’s Christian pilgrimage to Israel is to be performed by about 30, 000 Nigerian pilgrims.
