By Dare Akogun
The Kwara State Government has promised it’s continuous support for religious tolerance and cooperation in the State while calling on Kwarans to remain committed to peaceful co-existence.
This was made known by the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Elder Kayode Alabi, at the valedictory service organized for the year 2021 Main/2022 Easter Prospective pilgrims to the State of Israel and Jordan organized by the Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (KWSCPWB) held today at CAC Oke-Isegun, Ilorin.
Elder Alabi congratulated the prospective Pilgrims and admonished them that pilgrimage is a religious obligation which every Christian must take seriously.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Olabode George Towoju, urged the intending pilgrims to be spiritually alert and participate effectively in all the activities of the Holy Land.
“I challenge you to be worthy ambassadors of our great country while you are over there. Comport yourselves properly while in the Holy Land, speak with decorum, portray our nation in a good light and make Nigeria proud of you.”
The Deputy Governor commended the Management of the Pilgrims Board for organizing this year’s pilgrimage and for their dedication to the course through the years.
“On our part as a government, we will continue to support and empower you for greater success. I also thank most specially the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for being there always for the Board. You are indeed our father in the Lord and a worthy partner in progress,” Elder Alabi added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (KWSCPWB), Mr Ajayi Samuel Bayo, appreciated the governor for fostering unity in the State.
He urged the prospective Pilgrims to make good use of the opportunity and use it to move closer to God while also praying for God’s peace to continually reign in Kwara State, Nigeria and the world at large.
In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion matters (Christianity), Rev. Timothy Akangbe, charged the intending Pilgrims to emulate Christ, notwithstanding life’s challenges.
He submitted that it is a privilege to be visiting the Holy Land, while calling on the intending Pilgrims to be at peace with all men and ensure they “make it to Heaven,” while adding that, “the Earth is just temporary.”
