By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe
#Jordan2021
Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has urged the 2020 batch of pilgrims to pray fervently for themselves and for restoration of peace in Nigeria, while in Jordan.
The governor who was ably represented by Secretary to Delta State Government, SSG, Chief Patrick Ukah, fnipr, said the acute insecurity across the country, require intense prayers for God to urgently intervene in the affairs of the nation.
He appealed to the pilgrims to consistently engage in well targeter prayers of intercession for the nation, which according to him, will go a long way to reposition the country for greater accomplishments, adding that Pilgrimage is a spiritual renewal mission, not a jamboree.
“I urge you to be good ambassadors of Delta State, by conducting yourselves appropriately, and I beg you to intentionally avoid unlawful activities, especially social vices capable of dragging the enviable image and reputation of our state to disrepute.
“This country needs prayers to overcome the multifaceted problems currently confronting her, especially the persistent escalating insecurity, ethnic colourations instead of unity in diversity, as well as socioeconomic challenges occasioned by actions and inactions of those folks saddled with the responsibility of resolving our nation’s problems.
“It is our duty as Christians to intercede in prayers for our dear country, and I urge you to specifically pray for the restoration of peace and progress in Nigeria, and continually commit Delta State into the able hands of God.
“Of a truth, God has been very faithful to our state and citizens despite the numerous challenges confronting us as a nation.
“The 2020 batch has the highest number of pilgrims so far in this administration, numbering over 300, and we give God the glory that He truly deserve always. You must therefore justify government’s investments in your spiritual renewal or rebirth in Jordan, by dedicating yourselves, that of your families and the State into the able hands of Almighty God.
“To abscond while on pilgrimage in is a grave sin before man and God. I will be very happy to hear that all the pilgrims in this batch returned home.
“I wish you all a spirit filled pilgrimage, in Jesus Name,” Okowa said.
Earlier in his address, leader of the state pilgrims to Jordan and Chairman, Delta State Pilgrims and Welfare Board, Archbishop Cyril Odutemu, prayed for God to continue to honour the state governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, for consistently partnering with the Church of God, and for being a detribalised leader who embraces all segments of the body of Christ.
He disclosed that the governor paid for the Covid-19 test of all pilgrims and restored their complete Basic Travelling Allowance, BTA, adding that he also worked very hard to ensure that the Board surmounted daunting challenges, from financial assistance to complete logistics towards pilgrims departure.
“your Excellency, we love you. At these hard times, you increased the number of pilgrims like never before, and it goes to show that you are a committed partner with God.
“In the past few days, you kept your SSG and other senior government officials on their toes, to ensure that all foreseeable challenges were surmounted, and here we are today prepared and ready for the holy Pilgrimage.
“As you have partnered with God, we call on God today and always to continually enlarge your coast and grant you and your kind family your heart desires in Jesus Name.
“I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that the Board and officials have crafted strategies to effectively coordinate the state pilgrims while in Jordan. I am confident that our Lord and our God, shall take us to Jordan and bring us back safely, without negative report of a missing pilgrim.
“Thank you, once again. May the light of God continually shine upon your face, and may his Grace and loving kindness multiply in your life and family,” Odutemu prayed.