The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has urged intending 2015 Pilgrims to pray for the leaders, peace and Progress of Nigeria.
He made this remark yesterday at the local wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after the flag-off ceremony of 2015 main pilgrimage organized by Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.
Speaking to the newsmen, Prince Madumere described Christian pilgrimage as a fulfillment of religious obligation, which is in concert with the biblical injunctions.
He also believes that visiting historical bible settings and foundation of christian faith brings to life the teachings of The Lord Jesus Christ, he therefore urged the intending pilgrims to take seriously their mission to the Holy Land.
He reminded them of Psalms, chapter 122 verses 6 where Christians are required to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the blessings therein. He said proving right the predictions of the Bible, the State of Israel and Jerusalem have gone through so much challenges, which he said if not for grace would have come to an end.
He also specially urged the Pilgrims to pray for the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari, the Governors and other leaders for God’s grace and wisdom upon them to steer the affairs of the Nation towards salvaging it from its present challenges.
Earlier in the programme, the Special Guest of Honour, the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retired) officially performed the Flag-off ceremony as he encouraged the pilgrims to pray for President Buhari, the country and the leaders of Nigeria.
In the same vein, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, John Kennedy Opara thanked President Buhari for acceding to 2015 pilgrimage. He also enumerated both the spiritual and other benefits of pilgrimage. He also revealed the intention of the Commission to begin a raffle where Christians will participate generally to raise money while opportunity will create for all since whosever wins will participate.
Meanwhile, people of Jos are the first batch of 2015 Main Pilgrimage who left for Israel yester-night. Other dignitaries who spoke and graced the occasion during the ceremony are Governors Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, Simon Lalong of Jos and his deputy, Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshe Ram and hosts of other clergy.
The high point of the Flag-Off of the 2015 Main Christian Pilgrimage was the inspection of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission branded aircraft and prayers as led out by former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and the Chief Host, Primate of Church of Nigerian, Anglican Communion and the Chairman of the NCPC Board, The Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh.
His Excellency, the former head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) flanked by (from left) imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, Exec. Sec. NCPC, John Kennedy Opara, Amb. of State of Israel to Nig. Moshe Ram, Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Emmanuel Udom and others during the Flag-off of 2015 Main Christian Pilgrimage cuts the ribbon shortly before the inspection of the Israel bound aircraft at the local wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mose Ram during a worship and prayer session at the local wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja yesterday.
L-R: All Progressives Congress South East Zonal Youth Leader, Hon. Paul Chukwuma, Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Emmanuel Udom, the Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Exec. Sec of NCPC, John Kennedy Opara, Chairman of NCPC and Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh. Deputy Gov. of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere and the Israeli Ambassador to Nig. Moshe Ram during the inspection of NCPC Israel bound aircraft at the local wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja yesterday.
