The first batch of about 20,000 Christians on pilgrimage to Israel and Rome have been advised to be good ambassadors of Nigeria during their stay in the Holy Land as they prepare to be transported.
Nigeria’s Vice President GoodLuck Jonathan gave the advice at the launch of 2009 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Rome at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
Represented at the occasion by the Senate President, Sen. David Mark, the Vice President urged the pilgrims not to allowed commercial activities to over ride the main purpose of performing their spiritual obligations.
Jonathan implored the pilgrims not to get involved in anything that would tarnish the image of the nation.
He also urged them not to abscond, stressing that if good reports are received that government would be encouraged to send more people on pilgrimage.
Also speaking at the event, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshe Ram, noted that this year’s pilgrimage was Nigeria’s biggest with about 20,000 pilgrims from about 30 states against 17,000 in 2008.
Ram, however, commended the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) for proper execution of the exercise.
“It starting on a good note that Nigeria is going to Israel on well secured aircraft,’’ the Ambassador said.
The pilgrimage ends in January 2010.
Source African Press Agency
