By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has charge the Intending Christian Pilgrims to the holy lands of Israel and Jordan to be worthy ambassadors of Gombe State and the country.
A statement signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs) Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, dated Friday December 23, 2022, said that the governor, who gave the call at a farewell ceremony for the Gombe State intending Pilgrims held at the New Banquet hall of the Government House, also enjoined them to pray for peaceful elections as well as for the progress and prosperity of the state and the nation.
” I urge you to commit our dear state and country in prayers. Pray that God Almighty restores peace and harmony in our society, pray that God restores the normalcy that existed before and pray that Nigeria will emerge out of the myriad of its challenges”.
Governor Inuwa who noted that “pilgrimage is a journey of faith, encouraged the intending Pilgrims to use the opportunity to meditate, rejuvenate their faith and offer thanksgiving to God for his mercies and blessings to mankind”.
The Governor recalled how the COVID-19 pandemic hampered the participation of both Christians and Muslims in the annual pilgrimage due to restrictions. He however expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for His intervention which now prompted countries hosting pilgrims to open their doors for the spiritual exercise.
He explained that the global economic crisis, occasioned by the Russia- Ukraine war, the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria and associated challenges have also negatively affected the earning powers of governments and individuals, hence the low number of persons embarking on the spiritual journey, urging the faithful to pray for the return of normalcy in the country.
He however maintained that his administration is ready to continue to make sacrifices for adherents of both faiths to perform their annual spiritual exercise within available resources.
Commenting on the forthcoming general elections, Governor Inuwa noted that power comes from God, stressing the need for Nigerians to accept whoever God chooses as leader, support and be ready to work with for the good of the country.
The Governor further reiterated the commitment of his administration to the wellbeing of all persons resident in the state regardless of faith or creed.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr James Chachis and Nidugra Cham whose address was read by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr Ishaya Karu appreciated Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his support to the activities of the board and the Christian community.
He appealed to the intending pilgrims to respect the rules of their host countries and avoid all forms of vices that would tarnish the image of the state or the country.
The CPWB Executive Secretary had earlier appealed to Governor Inuwa to provide the board with a befitting office accomodation, improve the capacity of staff for maximum productivity, and consider offsetting the inherited debt of over two hundred and twenty two million naira left by the previous administration which he said has hampered the smooth opreations of the board.
The occasion, which was graced by the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, the Executive Secretary of Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, CAN officials among others, featured intercessory prayer for the State, nation and leaders, and for successful pilgrimage as well as Song Ministration by CAN Women Choir.
