…urges them to be good ambassadors of country
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has charged intending Christian pilgrims to the holy lands of Isreal and Jordan to be worthy ambassadors of the state and the country at large.
Governor Yahaya, who gave this advice at a farewell ceremony for Gombe State intending pilgrims held at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House, also enjoined them to pray for peaceful elections as well as for the progress and prosperity of the state and the nation.
“I urge you to commit our dear state and country in prayers. Pray that God Almighty restores peace and harmony in our society, pray that God restores the normalcy that existed before and pray that Nigeria will emerge out of the myriad of its challenges,” he said.
He noted that “pilgrimage is a journey of faith”, and encouraged the intending pilgrims to “use the opportunity to meditate, rejuvenate their faith and offer thanksgiving to God for His mercies and blessings to mankind.”
The Governor recalled how the Covid-19 pandemic hampered the participation of both Christians and Muslims in the annual pilgrimage due to restrictions.
He, however, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His intervention, which now prompted countries hosting pilgrims to open their doors for the spiritual exercise.
He explained that the global economic crisis, occasioned by the Russia- Ukraine war, the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria and associated challenges have also negatively affected the earning powers of goverments and individuals, hence the low number of persons embarking on the spiritual journey.
He also urging the religious faithful to pray for the return of normalcy in the country.
The Governor, however, maintained that his administration is ready to continue to make sacrifices for adherents of both faiths to perform their annual spiritual exercise within available resources.
Commenting on the forthcoming general elections, Governor Inuwa noted that power comes from God, stressing the need for Nigerians to accept whoever God chooses as the leader, support and be ready to work with him for the good of the country.
He further reitrated the commitment of his administration to the wellbeing of all persons resident in the state regardless of their faith or creed.
Earlier, the state’s Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr James Chachis and Nidugra Cham, whose address was read by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr Ishaya Karu, appreciated Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his support to the activities of the board and the Christian community.
He appealed to the intending pilgrims to respect the rules of their host countries and avoid all forms of vices that could tarnish the image of the state or the country.
The CPWB Executive Secretary had earlier appealed to Governor Inuwa to provide the board with a befitting office accomodation, improve the capacity of staff for maximum productivity, and consider offsetting the inherited debt of over N222million left by the previous administration, which he said had hampered the smooth opreations of the Board.
The occasion, which was graced by the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari; Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, the Executive Secretary of Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and CAN officials, among others, featured intercessory prayer for the state, nation and leaders, and for successful pilgrimage as well as song ministration by CAN Women choir.
