Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has urged Christians
who embark on holy pilgrimage to see it as an opportunity to intercede for
Nigeria and not for politics or religion.
He
said the advice became necessary due to the Boko Haram insurgency.
A
statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Head of Media, Nigerian Christian
Pilgrims Commission, Mr. Celestine Ogugua, said Gowon said this while featuring
as a guest of honor during the maiden Jerusalem pilgrims’ sensitization/appreciation
dinner organized by the commission.
The
statement quoted Gowon as saying, “The sensitization 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 not to relent in doing good and to continue to
be a source of blessing to the lives of others who could not afford the cost of
pilgrimage.
The
elder statesman commended the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Mr. John-Kennedy
Opara, for his excellence, hard work and commitment, which, he said, had
changed the face of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.
Opara
thanked all Jerusalem pilgrims for honoring the invitation to dine together,
saying, “You have gathered to affirm greatness and with God on our side, we
shall succeed in this drive.”
Has laoreet percipitur ad. Vide interesset in mei, no his legimus verterem. Et nostrum imperdiet appellantur usu, mnesarchum referrentur id vim.
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