19 Governors To Accompany Jonathan On Pilgrimage To Israel

No fewer than 19 state governors, as well as some serving ministers, will on October 22, 2013, accompany President Goodluck Jonathan on Christian pilgrimage to Israel.

This was disclosed yesterday by President Jonathan during the flag-off of the 2013 Christian pilgrimage to Israel, Rome and Greece.

Represented by the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator David Mark, the president said the pilgrimage exercise was not a business trip or jamboree, but a spiritual journey which its importance could not be over-emphasised.

The president noted that it was unfortunate that some people had commercialised the exercise, urging the pilgrims to shun acts capable of bringing the image of the country into disrepute.

He urged them to pray for the genuine transformation of the country, especially as the country was facing 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.

"Christ is a winner and conqueror! I have no doubt that this exercise would help the nation overcome its current challenges," the president added.

Earlier in his speech, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kennedy Opara, urged the pilgrims to be ambassadors of the country while in the Holy Land.
About 30, 000 pilgrims are expected to perform this year's Christian pilgrimage to Israel.


Source: Leadership