Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged 17 Christian pilgrims traveling to Israel to uphold Nigeria’s reputation and avoid any actions that could bring embarrassment to the country.
Speaking during a prayer service held in Ado-Ekiti ahead of their departure, Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, emphasized the importance of spiritual rebirth in shaping a nation’s development through attitudinal change and character rebranding.
He encouraged the pilgrims to remain dedicated to the spiritual exercise, ensuring that the benefits reflect in their personal lives and society at large.
“We desire a society that is corruption-free, where people can imbibe the fear of God in their operations and daily lives,” Oyebanji stated.
“I therefore charge you to pray not only for yourselves, but for our dear state, nation, and the world at large. We live in times that require our collective prayer and unity more than ever.
“I plead that you do not engage in any act that can jeopardize the intentions of this pilgrimage and put our nation into unwarranted international embarrassment,” he added.
The governor reminded the pilgrims that the journey was not just physical but spiritual, urging them to make the necessary sacrifices and embrace piety to maximize the benefits of their participation.
In his exhortation, the Government House Chaplain, Segun Awolumate, described spiritual voyages as a source of blessings, emphasizing that true transformation would only come through holiness.
“I expect you to be holier and believe more in God after this journey. You have to be fully revived. Your prayers too must bring revival to Ekiti and Nigeria.
“The land you are visiting is not ordinary; it is filled with the spirit and covenant of God. Make good use of this opportunity,” Awolumate said.
Also present at the service were the Secretary of the Ekiti State Christians’ Pilgrimage Welfare Board, Sunkanmi Adu, as well as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, among others.
