Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has encouraged 300 Christian pilgrims from the state traveling to the Holy Land of Israel and Jordan to pray earnestly for the state and the incoming administration of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
The governor, who saw off the pilgrims at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, urged them to maintain decorum during their visit and focus on experiencing the teachings of Jesus Christ as described in the Bible.
Governor Ugwuanyi emphasized that his administration has entrusted Enugu State to God since its inception in 2015, resulting in the state being recognized as the most peaceful in Nigeria.
He highlighted that the purpose of the pilgrimage was to glorify God for His love and mercy over the past eight years, emphasizing that his administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Christian values.
The governor recalled that the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) bestowed upon him the Best Pilgrimage Governor Award in December 2021, acknowledging his administration’s exceptional efforts in promoting peace and supporting pilgrimages.
Governor Ugwuanyi further revealed that his administration had sponsored 300 pilgrims to the Holy Land of Israel and Jordan in July 2022, 30 pilgrims to the Holy Land of Rome in October 2022, and another 300 pilgrims to the Holy Land of Israel and Jordan in December 2022.
During his speech, Governor Ugwuanyi commended the organizers of the religious exercise for achieving a zero abscondment rate in the December 2022 pilgrimage. He urged them to take all necessary measures to ensure the safe return of all pilgrims. The governor also called upon the pilgrims to pray for the well-being of Enugu State and the incoming government.
Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, expressed delight at Governor Ugwuanyi’s unwavering commitment to the religious exercise throughout his tenure. He credited the governor’s active involvement in initiating the pilgrimage as the reason behind the program’s success in the country. Rev. Dr. Pam extended his gratitude to Governor Ugwuanyi for his immense contributions and support.
Barr. Nestor Ezeme, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, received praise from the NCPC Executive Secretary for his dedication and diligence in performing his duties. He commended Governor Ugwuanyi for consistently sponsoring the pilgrimage since assuming office and for his strong devotion to matters of faith. Barr. Ezeme highlighted that this particular pilgrimage included a significant number of priests, a fact that brought pride and joy to the group.
Prominent figures such as Rev. Emmanuel Edeh, Chairman of the Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Godwin Madu, and Dr. Tony Okam attended the event, further underscoring its significance.
As the pilgrims embark on their spiritual journey, their prayers for the state and the incoming government are expected to resonate deeply. The consistent support and involvement of Governor Ugwuanyi, along with the collaboration between various Christian organizations, have contributed to the success of the pilgrimage program in Enugu State.