‘Be Ambassadors of Gombe State’ Deputy Gov charges intending Pilgrims
By Jack Tasha
The Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, has charged intending Christian Pilgrims from Gombe State to be Ambassadors of the State while on spiritual exercise to Holy sites in the Kingdom of Jordan.
The Deputy Governor who gave the charge during a farewell address to the intending pilgrims at New Banquet Hall, Government House, advised them to avoid all forms of vices and sharp practices that would drag the image of the state to the mud.
He further charged them to desist from any act of indiscipline, and be security conscious, as well as look after one another, and avoid sensitive diplomatic discussion, abiding strictly to the rules and regulations guiding the host country.
He reminded them of the adage ‘Gombawa diban fari’, calling on them to always thrive to excel in any activity that they are required to perform by way of speech and action.
Jatau noted that pilgrimage is a spiritual journey embarked upon to visit Holy sites, offer prayers for the state, nation and entire world, requesting them to pray for the global challenge of Covid-19 which invariably affected the economy of nations including Nigeria.
He described the theme for this year’s pilgrimage” Pilgrimage for Peace and Development ” as apt going by the numerous security and socioeconomic challenges confronting the human race today, stressing the need to pray earnestly for peace and stability of Gombe and Nigeria, that God will make it easy for the people, and give them the spirit of loving themselves always.
The Deputy Governor assured the Pilgrims that, all that is needed for them is to perform successful pilgrimage including security, feeding, medical and Pilgrim Travelling Allowance have been put in place.
He said the state government has sponsored 70 Pilgrims leaving the other slots to individuals for self sponsorship despite the global economic challenges, expressing hope that in the subsequent years individuals will sponsor themselves because of the importance and blessings attached to pilgrimage.
He pleaded with stakeholders, religious and community leaders to support their administration through promoting religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence in the communities, urging them to come together and support government policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of the people.
In his opening remarks, the Acting Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, Rev. Sunday Kongo appreciated God Almighty for making the pilgrimage a reality.
He appreciated the Governor and his cabinet for approving the performance of pilgrimage and for performing wonderfully in the state, praying God to grant him the grace to continue with his good works.
Kongo appealed to the Governor to sustain the sponsorship of the pilgrimage, charging the intending Pilgrims to reciprocate the gesture of the Governor by being good ambassadors of the state while in pilgrimage.
In his sermon, the Chaplain of the pilgrimage, Rev. Mangai John, spoke on the theme “pilgrimage for peace and Development admonishing the intending pilgrims to be light and represent Gombe Christians very well during the pilgrimage.
Making reference with the scriptures, the Clergyman explained that the visit to Jordan was not out of place considering its significance in Christianity, as it was the gateway to the promise land, the place of baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, and the place where Elijah was taken into heaven by chariot.
He stressed that pilgrimage is not for business nor for fashion and luxury but a spiritual exercise towards spiritual rejuvenation.
The Executive Secretary, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Ishaya Karu said a total number of 72 persons shall be performing the 2020 main/2021 Easter Pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan.
He said the visit to Jordan and not Israel was, because, of the effect of covid- 19 pointing out that, the visit to Biblical Jordan was because of its importance in biblical events, including place of Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and other major events.
He announced that the Governor has approved the payment of over #80,000 being payment for covid-19 test, adding that those who had earlier made their payments shall have their Money refunded immediately.
He also explained that following differences in the dollar/ naira exchange rate, pilgrims will not expect 500 naira BTA, but about 350 dollars instead.
The event featured presentation of songs by CAN Choir, and CAN Women Fellowship Choir groups..
Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Media and Publicity, (Deputy Governor’s office).
