Dr Kayode Fayemi’s government in Ekiti State has charged intending pilgrims from the State to Israel to be law abiding and shun temptation to travel with anything that can incriminate them.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Service Matters, Mr. Opeyemi Abayomi gave the charge during an orientation programme organized by the Ekiti State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board for intending pilgrims.
The programme with the theme “Christian Pilgrims, Ambassadors of Change and Transformation for the Nation” was organized to prepare pilgrims for a hitch-free pilgrimage.
Opeyemi urged them to be good ambassadors of Ekiti State and of the nation in their conducts and to pray for restoration of peace and security in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, Elder Ayodele Ayeni stressed that the pilgrims should not see the trip as a mere tourism jamboree, adding that it was an opportunity to rejuvenate their spiritual life.
He advised them not to be distracted by the tourists’ attractions of the holy land but to concentrate on more important matters and ensure that they pray for the peace and development of Ekiti State and the nation as a whole.
Warning the pilgrims not to be tempted to abscond during the pilgrimage, both the Legal Adviser to the Board, Richard Olowoyo and the Board’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Malomo Agbaje said that such acts would put the culprits’ guarantors in jeopardy as sponsors of such offenders would be liable to a N9million fine or seven years imprisonment.
A Nutritionist, Mrs. Taiwo Omoyajowo who also addressed the pilgrims, advised them to watch their diet and be careful of what they eat in the holy land to avert avoidable sickness during the pilgrimage.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
