….As 38 Ekiti Pilgrims depart for Israel
By Editor
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has warned pilgrims travelling from the state to Israel to regard the journey as a strictly spiritual exercise and not a leisure or fun-seeking trip.
Mr Oyebanji said any misconduct by the pilgrims abroad could damage Nigeria’s image and portray its citizens as lawless on the global stage.
He spoke on Friday during a departure service for 38 intending38 pilgrims at the Government House Chapel in Ado-Ekiti.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, the governor reminded the pilgrims that they were ambassadors of both Ekiti State and Nigeria.
He urged them to conduct themselves with discipline and dignity, noting that their behaviour would shape international perceptions of the country.
Mr Oyebanji also called on the pilgrims to pray for peace and unity in Ekiti State, which is preparing for a governorship election scheduled for June 20.
He described the pilgrimage as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a chance to pray for national unity, peace and security, rather than a social or tourism outing.
“A pilgrimage is a journey of faith that demands humility, discipline and obedience,” the governor said, adding that the state government remained committed to supporting faith-based activities that promote moral values and peaceful coexistence.
He prayed for the pilgrims’ safe journey and a spiritually rewarding experience, as well as their safe return to Nigeria.
Earlier, the Government House Chaplain, Pastor Segun Awolumate, cautioned the pilgrims against trivialising the spiritual significance of the trip.
He said pilgrimage was biblically rooted, citing Jesus Christ’s journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem, and stressed that visiting the Holy Land should lead to personal transformation.
According to him, while travel generally broadens knowledge and experience, pilgrimage demands deeper spiritual reflection and renewal
“You should not return the same way you left,” he said, urging the pilgrims to ensure the journey adds value to their lives and communities.
The Ekiti State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Emmanuel Aribasoye, commended the state government for subsidising the pilgrimage and prayed for the pilgrims’ safe return.
