By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has charged the 43 intending pilgrims from the state embarking on this year’s Christian pilgrimage to Israel to uphold discipline, integrity, and spiritual focus throughout the exercise.
He warned that any attempt to abscond would not only tarnish the image of Edo State but also undermine Nigeria’s relationship with the State of Israel.
The Governor, who delivered his message during the orientation and retreat for the pilgrims at the Government House Chapel, Benin City, was represented by his Special Adviser on Religious Matters and Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Apostle Sule Faradey. He emphasized that the pilgrimage is a sacred journey of faith and transformation, not an avenue for escapism.
“Abscondment will not be tolerated under this administration,” the Governor warned. “The evil of abscondment is that it put our state and nation in a bad light and strains the cordial ties we share with Israel. Edo State must record zero abscondment in the 2025 pilgrimage.”
Governor Okpebholo further pledged that his administration would continue to protect and safeguard the welfare of Edo pilgrims, stressing that government’s support is premised on the conviction that a spiritually transformed citizenry contributes more meaningfully to family, community, and national development.
“The Edo State Government will provide the necessary support to ensure that all pilgrims embark on this journey smoothly. We believe the experience in the Holy Land will yield moral renewal, spiritual rebirth, and a deepened commitment to nation-building,” he affirmed.
The Governor also commended the leadership of the Edo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board for implementing the policy on self-sponsorship with diligence, noting that their efforts have ensured greater accountability in the pilgrimage process.
In his goodwill message, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Ernest Ohuyon, who represented the SSG, congratulated the intending pilgrims and urged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of Edo State and Nigeria. He encouraged them to pray for the success of the Okpebholo administration and the peace and progress of the nation.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Sir Patrick Emiator Ihayere, in a paper titled “Using Pilgrimage as a Tool for Moral Transformation and Spiritual Rebirth”, reminded participants that pilgrimage is not tourism but a faith-based journey designed to draw believers closer to God. He urged pilgrims to remain focused, exercise patience, and reflect positively on the State and Nation throughout their stay in Israel.
The Chairman of the Edo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Frank Omobude, also congratulated the pilgrims, charging them to conduct themselves with dignity and to uphold values that will enhance the reputation of the State and the nation.
Similarly, the Guest Minister at the retreat, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, commended Governor Okpebholo for keeping faith with his promises by supporting the pilgrimage initiative. He encouraged the intending pilgrims, especially first-timers, to maximize the life-changing spiritual experience of walking the biblical paths and witnessing the history of their faith.
“A visit to the Holy Land makes the Bible real,” Pastor Ize-Iyamu noted. “It strengthens our spiritual lives and connects us directly to the foundation of our faith. This should not be seen as a holiday but as a journey of rediscovery and renewal.”
The retreat, marked by prayers, exhortations, and words of encouragement, concluded with renewed commitment by all participants to ensure that Edo achieves a record of zero abscondment in 2025.
The pilgrims are scheduled to depart for Israel on September 15, 2025.
