The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), yesterday stated that security measures were in place to stop anyone plotting to abscond from Israel and Jordan during the 2021/2022 pilgrimage.
He said when caught, such persons would be arrested and made to face the law.
FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adeshola gave the warning at the pre-departure orientation exercise for the 2021/2022 Easter pilgrimage.
Adeshola, who was represented by the Director, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr Udoh Atang, said: “As you may wish to note, pilgrimage is an important component of our foreign policy. I, therefore, charge you to respect the country and yourself by exhibiting the highest sense of exemplary conduct while on pilgrimage.
“I would also like to remind you that our administration seriously frowns at such misconduct as abscondment. Those with such intentions are advised to have a rethink as adequate security measures have been put in place to apprehend and bring culprits to justice.”
He added: “Permit me to remind you not to lose focus of the primary essence of the pilgrimage exercise; it is a deep spiritual journey intended to further build our faith through an experience of the sights and sounds of the birthplace of Christianity.
“You will have the opportunity to visit places such as the sea of Galilee – where most of the disciples of Jesus Christ fished, the river Jordan where our Lord, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist to become the Christ, as well as the Western Wall in Jerusalem amongst other interesting sites of deep religious significance to Christian faith.
“We hope that this spiritual journey to the Holy Lands would have a direct impact on your spiritual growth, thereby benefitting not only yourselves but the country as a whole through a value reorientation based on the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
“I would therefore enjoin us all to view this trip, not as a form of holy entertainment or business trip, but rather a journey of discovery of the true essence of the Christian faith.”
While commending the efforts of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), the FCT administration pledged to continue to support the activities of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board focused on improving the spiritual well-being of FCT residents.
FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and Minister of State, Ramatu Aliyu were acknowledged for their sustained support for the spiritual welfare of FCT residents.
Adeshola said they had ensured that adequate provisions were made to cater for their needs while on pilgrimage.
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