Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has urged 290 FCT Pilgrims to remember that pilgrimage is neither a jamboree nor tourism, but a spiritual call to strengthen one’s faith to attain a new level of spirituality and responsibility.
Mahmoud stated this on the occasion of 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 on Thursday in Abuja.
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 the government’s commitment and to reassure pilgrims that the government was doing everything possible to fulfil its obligation as contained in the board’s mandate.
While reminding them that pilgrimage as a religious practice has unquantifiable blessings, she, however, urged them to use the opportunity to pray for the nation and its leadership at all levels for peace, progress, growth, and development.
“I believe that through our collective prayers, God will continue to lead our country on the path of greatness. While in the Holy Lands, remember you have a responsibility,” she stressed.
The minister used the occasion to commend the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite for his giant strides in coordinating the Christian pilgrimage nationwide over the years.
Mahmoud, however, assured that the FCT Administration is committed to sustaining 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.
In her welcome remarks, the Director of the 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 pilgrims with the essential tips that would help them while performing the sacred journey.
She, however, thanked the FCT Administration under the able leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike and Dr Mariya Mahmoud for their continued support for the board’s activities.
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