Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has urged the state’s intending pilgrims to Israel to embrace the spiritual significance of their journey, emphasising the need for fervent prayers for the state, its leadership, and personal intentions. The Governor’s message was conveyed during a one-day orientation organised for the pilgrims at the Cabinet Office in Abakaliki.
Delivering the Governor’s message, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezurike, highlighted the privilege bestowed upon the chosen pilgrims. She remarked, “It is with utmost humility and pleasure that I stand here on behalf of our God-given Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to address all of you attending this year’s pilgrimage. It is a privilege, as the Chairman of the Christian Pilgrim Board has noted, to be among the selected few from millions of Ebonyians who desire this spiritual experience.”
Umezurike emphasised that the pilgrimage is a spiritual exercise, not a recreational outing. She said, “You are not going there for partying. It’s not a jamboree. It’s a spiritual exercise. As you go, pray for our dear Governor and his family, for the Government of Ebonyi State, for all the Executive Council members, and for the state at large. Also, pray for your families and all private intentions you may have.”
She urged the pilgrims to take the nine days of prayer seriously, stressing that their selection was divinely ordained. “Out of the numerous people desiring to go on this pilgrimage, you were chosen. It means that you are truly chosen by God. You have to pray,” she stated.
The Secretary to the State Government further highlighted the historic nature of this pilgrimage, being the first sponsored by Governor Nwifuru’s administration. She noted, “This is the first pilgrimage being sponsored by this Government. It’s an honour that all of you here are the first beneficiaries. I urge you to give back to the State Government by simply praying. It costs nothing to pray.”
Umezurike also called on the pilgrims to exhibit exemplary conduct as ambassadors of Ebonyi State. “There is something Ebonyi people are known for. We are very obedient, respectful, and resilient people. We do not go against rules and regulations wherever we find ourselves,” she emphasised.
She reminded them to participate fully in all spiritual activities and to comply with the guidelines of the pilgrimage exercise. “Ensure you participate in every spiritual activity and adhere to the rules guiding the pilgrimage. The Governor does not want to receive any negative reports about any of you. Ebonyi is not known for negative reports,” Umezurike warned.
Umezurike further advised the pilgrims to be conscious of their actions, bearing in mind that they represent Ebonyi State in Israel. “Whatever you do, they may not call your name, but they will refer to you as the pilgrim from Ebonyi State. Let it be for good remarks, as we have always received. Yours should not be different. Be good ambassadors,” she urged.
The Governor’s representative also cautioned against absconding, stressing that there is no place like home. “Do not think of absconding. Ebonyi State is more beautiful than Israel, although some spiritual exercises have to be performed there. You have no reason to abscond. At the time of return, let us not say that we cannot find any of you,” she warned.
Concluding her address, Umezurike assured the pilgrims of Governor Nwifuru’s spiritual presence. “Though he may not be going physically, he is with you in spirit and in prayer. The same God who will lead you safely there will bring you back safely,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the pilgrims, Rev. Fr. Godwin Uguru, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Christian Pilgrim Board, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his generosity. “It is out of the Governor’s magnanimity that we are all going to Israel. He paid for all the logistics involved. We are very grateful for this opportunity. There are so many people in Ebonyi State, but only two hundred and more were chosen. We pray God grants the Governor the wisdom to do more, and we assure him of our support. 4+4 is certain,” Rev. Fr. Uguru declared.
Arc. Chief Okoye Odilichukwu, Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area, expressed his gratitude in a vote of thanks. “We are truly grateful and stand solidly behind the Governor. We will continually pray for God to protect him and grant him more wisdom to lead Ebonyi State to greater heights,” he affirmed.
The one-day orientation was attended by dignitaries, government officials, and the selected pilgrims, who expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to embark on the spiritual journey. The event concluded with prayers and a renewed commitment to represent Ebonyi State positively.
As the pilgrims prepare to embark on this sacred journey, all eyes are on them to uphold the values of humility, obedience, and spirituality, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Ebonyi State.
By Anthony Ogbekile
