Nasarawa Govt sends off 191 Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem
…Urges Religious Leaders to Preach Peace and Love
By Edwin Philip, Lafia
The Nasarawa State government has charged religious leaders to preach peace, love, and tolerance to promote harmonious coexistence within the state and across Nigeria.
The appeal was made by Governor Abdullahi Sule during the farewell ceremony for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem, held Wednesday at the Nasarawa State Christian Welfare Pilgrim Board in Lafia. The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Labaran Shuaibu.
Dr. Shuaibu called on community and opinion leaders to encourage residents to live peacefully regardless of religious differences.
“God, in His wisdom, brought us together with a common destiny. It is our duty to promote mutual love, understanding, and cooperation among our diverse communities,” he said. “I beseech you to continue preaching peace, showing love, tolerance, and good neighbourliness among ourselves and humanity at large.”
Governor Sule congratulated the 191 pilgrims for being selected for the spiritual journey, emphasizing that the pilgrimage provides a unique opportunity for personal communion with God and renewal of faith.
“The trip enables you to commit yourself to fervent prayers for peace, tranquility, and harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in Nasarawa State and the country at large,” he said. “Take advantage of this journey to pray with honesty and humility to derive maximum benefit from this spiritual sojourn.”
He further admonished the pilgrims to serve as good ambassadors of Nasarawa State and Nigeria by avoiding vices such as drug trafficking, theft, and abscondment.
“As you embark on this journey, pray for the wellbeing of our state and country, especially with elections approaching. Your prayers will help ensure a free and peaceful process in Nasarawa State and Nigeria,” he added.
Governor Sule also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting religious activities and ensuring freedom of worship in the state. He commended the Executive Secretary of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Pastor Alfa Yusuf, and his team for efficiently preparing the pilgrims and introducing innovations in the pilgrimage operations.
In his remarks, Pastor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the governor for maintaining religious harmony and supporting the board’s activities, urging pilgrims to appreciate this benevolence.
The leader of the delegation, His Royal Highness Monday Toma Chaga, Chu Buh of Nakere in Wamba LGA, thanked Governor Sule for providing everything the pilgrims needed. “We will visit holy sites in Jordan and Jerusalem and pray for Nasarawa State and Nigeria for peace, development, and unity,” he said, expressing confidence that every pilgrim would return transformed.
The farewell ceremony also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders and well-wishers.
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