Akwa Ibom increases numbers of pilgrims to Jerusalem

Chief Akpabio stated this in Uyo at the Orientation Seminar for the year 2009 intending pilgrims to the Holy Land, organised by the Akwa Ibom State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board. Represented by his deputy, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, Governor Akpabio emphasised that it was important for the large number of pilgrims being sponsored by the state […]

Chief Akpabio stated this in Uyo at the Orientation Seminar for the year 2009 intending pilgrims to the Holy Land, organised by the Akwa Ibom State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, Governor Akpabio emphasised that it was important for the large number of pilgrims being sponsored by the state government for the spiritual exercise to make become agents of change and worthy role models in the society so as to justify government’s huge expenditure on the exercise.   

2009 was with the hope that those who embark on the spiritual journey would return to affect the State and nation for good, he emphasised that “those who embark on pilgrimage should affect their society,” otherwise, he said “the hope of a good society would remain a mirage.”

While urging the intending pilgrims to remain good ambassadors of Akwa Ibom, he implored them to see the need to pray at this time, particularly for Nigeria and for President Musa Yar’adua’s quick recovery and return to work. This he said, was important for Akwa Ibom pilgrims to do because, the president, apart from being just and honest to all Nigerians, has helped to ensure the return of about 285 oil wells belonging to the State.

The challenges confronting the Akwa Ibom State government, he said were enormous and require the support of men of goodwill, good moral and spiritual standing to help it overcome.

In his address, the State Chairman, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Uko B. Eshiet JP, thanked Governor Akpabio and his deputy for their support towards ensuring the success of the board in its assignment.

The essence of the orientation he said, was to sensitize the intending pilgrims on the rudiments, rule and regulations governing pilgrimage to the Holy land, and to create “awareness of spiritual significance of the Holy pilgrimage.”

Cautioning that “pilgrimage is not a social jamboree,” the Chairman said, “it is a solemn religious exercise that should be properly exploited for spiritual rejuvenation and national revival.”

In his introductory remarks the Secretary of the Pilgrims Board, Elder Okon J. Ukoh JP, noted that the Orientation Seminar was “mandatory for all intending pilgrims who were successful at the final selection exercise.”