At least 171 pilgrims from Niger State will be airlifted from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Israel to perform pilgrimage from January 2 this year.
Leader of the Niger State Christian Pilgrims delegation to this year’s pilgrimage, Pastor Yerima El’Yakim Samaila, said on Wednesday at the Christian Association of Nigeria secretariat in Minna during the orientation of intending pilgrims, that 17 persons were however denied visa to the Holy land.
It was also revealed that the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, is sponsoring only 31 Christians on the pilgrimage.
Pastor Samaila further encouraged private individuals to participate and also sponsor persons for the spiritual exercise.
In his exhortation, the state Chairman, CAN, Rev. Mathias Echioda, said pilgrimage is very important for every Christian, adding: “The spiritual exercise is very important.
“We need to strengthen our faith.”
Speaking also, the Acting Director, Christian Department, Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Joanna Pada, admonished intending pilgrims to remain disciplined, adding: “Nobody should try to abscond because it brings embarrassment to Nigeria as a country.
“As part of our responsibilities to monitor the activities of pilgrims, we met and brainstormed to ensure that adequate arrangements are made in terms of transportation, feeding and accommodation.”
Furthermore, Pada said the welfare and state of health of pilgrims are paramount as intending pilgrims would visit various religious sites.
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