By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
|
The Ekiti State Government has appealed to intending Christian pilgrims Israel to refrain from acts that could violate immigration laws during their sojourn to the country.
The government specifically, charged them to act as patriotic and good ambassadors, and distinguish themselves as people of character and integrity during their stints at the Holy land.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs Monisade Afuye, gave the admonition at a special farewell service, held at the Government House Chapel, in Ado Ekiti, for the Ekiti contingents to this year’s holy pilgrimage.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, reminded them to pray for Nigeria and Ekiti State in particular, as the country is in dire need of divine intervention .
Afuye appealed to the pilgrims to steer clear of any act that could tarnish the image of the State and bring the christendom to opprobrium .
The Deputy Governor added that the present administration under Governor Biodun Oyebanji , has remained the vanguard of peaceful co-existence among diverse religions, urging the intending pilgrims to offer prayers against any insurrection in the facet of religious crisis in Ekiti .
In his sermon CAN Chairman in Ekiti State, Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, told the pilgrims that God, the State and their families expect a positive change of behaviour after the pilgrimage to substantiate the fact that the holy journey has made a tremendous positive impacts.
Also Pastor Segun Awolumate and the Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, urged them not to be involved in any frivolity that could jeopardise the kernel mission of their voyage to Israel.