The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has advised the 290 pilgrims from the FCT against treating the pilgrimage as a jamboree or a tourist attraction, but a spiritual call to strengthen one’s faith to attain a new level of spirituality and responsibility.
Mahmoud stated this at the pre-departure orientation programme for the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage exercise as the FCT pilgrims departed to the holy lands of Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan.
The minister stressed that the occasion was aimed at not only bidding the pilgrims farewell but to prepare their minds, mentally and psychologically on the significance of Christian pilgrimage as well as to allay their fears on what to expect and what not to expect while in the holy lands.
Mahmoud noted that the occasion was also a demonstration of government’s commitment and to also reassure pilgrims that the government was doing everything possible to fulfil its obligation as contained in the board’s mandate.
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While reminding them that pilgrimage as a religious practice has an unquantifiable blessings, she however, urged them to use the opportunity to pray for the nation and its leaders at all levels for peace, progress, growth and development.
“I believe that through our collective prayers, God will continue to lead our country in the part of greatness. While in the holy lands, remember you have responsibility,” she stressed.
The minister used the occasion to commend the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite for its giant strides in coordinating the Christian pilgrimage nationwide over the years.
Mahmoud however, assured that the FCT Administration is committed to sustain the mutual relationship between her and the commission and that the administration would continue to support the activities of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board as a tool for spiritual transformation and the well-being of residents.
The Director FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Gloria Dandam, said the pilgrimage was not only to take pilgrims to holy sites, but also to strengthen one’s relationship with God and bring pilgrims closer to the eternal message of peace, love and hope.
She assured that experts from various areas have been carefully selected to equip the pilgrims with the essential tips that will help them while performing the sacred journey.
She however, thanked the FCT Administration under the leadership of Nyeson Wike and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for their continued support for the board’s activities.
