Israel commends Plateau government for pilgrimage sponsorship

The Executive Director, of Ophir Tours, Israel, Mr Israel Ophir, has commended the Plateau state government for being the most committed state in the sponsorship of pilgrims to the Holy Land.

Ophir made the commendation while bidding farewell to pilgrims from Plateau state after a successful pilgrimage in Israel.

He said the Plateau government has over the years sponsored thousands of pilgrims to the Holy Land, a feat, no state in Nigeria has recorded.

“I want to appreciate the government and the governor of Plateau state for always sponsoring a large number of pilgrims to the Holy Land each year for this important spiritual exercise.

“We understand that governors have enormous challenges on them and should be commended for sponsoring many pilgrims for the spiritual exercise.

“We need to encourage private pilgrims to come, so I implore all stakeholders to ensure that this happens, to reduce the burden on governments,” he said.

Ophir revealed that Air Peace, a Nigerian airline would commence a direct flight from Nigeria to Israel on April 26, adding that the joint venture with the NCPC would bring more pilgrims and tourists into Israel which he said would further strengthen ties between the two nations.

Also the Executive Secretary, of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, (NCPC) Rev. Yakubu Pam, commended the Plateau pilgrims for conducting themselves before and during the pilgrimage, charging other states to emulate the act.

Pam, represented by Assistant Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, NCPC,
Mrs Ogechi Ahaotu added that Plateau State over the years has been well-behaved and has not recorded any case of abscondment.

He charged other states to emulate them and always be good ambassadors of Nigeria, representing the country positively at all times.

The Executive Secretary, of Plateau State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. George Gorap, who also commended the present state government for being the highest sponsor of Christian pilgrims in the country said the state occupies a place of pride in the area of pilgrimage in Nigeria.

Gorap stated that the state government has sponsored 4,570 pilgrims to the Holy Land since he assumed office, a feat he also said has not been achieved by any state in Nigeria.

He said the pilgrimage was very important in the life of a Christian as it prepares them for the final pilgrimage to heaven.

He commended the pilgrims from the state for behaving in an orderly manner and obeying the rules and regulations of the countries visited, applauding them for always returning home and not absconding.

A pilgrim and wife of the Deputy Governor of Plateau state Mrs Abigail Tyoden appreciated the state and the Israeli government for organising a seamless spiritual exercise, one which said has impacted the lives of the pilgrims.

On her part, a member, of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs Esther Dusu called on individuals and spirited government officials to sponsor people for pilgrimage, stating that pilgrimage had the power to change people.

Dusu said that when a nation nurtures good people, it would also translate to having a good nation.

The 9-day pilgrimage which began on March 30, had several top Plateau government officials and top spiritual leaders in the delegation.