By Jubril Bada
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The thirty three intending pilgrims from Ondo State to Jerusalem in Israel this year have been charged to pray for the sustainance of the harmony being enjoyed in the state and the country in general as 2019 general elections draw nearer.

The State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu gave the charge yesterday at the retreat and departure ceremony for the intending pilgrims in Akure.

Akeredolu, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, appealed to the pilgrims to seize the opportunity of being among this year pilgrims to pray for the peaceful co-existence of the state and the country.

His words: “2019 is a year of full expectations that the country will conduct elections,  there is need to pray for the country.”

According to him, Nigerians should keep on praying for peace and good leaders.

While admonishing them not to see their journey to the holy land as a jamboree enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the country.

The governor described the collective prayers of christian faithful in the state as effective solution to worried issues in the country.

He commended the Christian Welfare Board in the state for its effective screening for the pilgrimage exercise.

In his address, the State Chairman of Christian Welfare Board, Very Rev Raphael Agboola, disclosed that 33 pilgrims including men and women of integrity and good moral who are  citizens of the state were qualified for the pilgrimage.

He added that about 21 people were screened out for the pilgrimage.