Benin – The Edo Government on Saturday warned the state Christian pilgrims’ contingent to Rome, Greece and Israel to shun the temptation of absconding.
Governor Godwin Obaseki, who gave the warning while addressing the pilgrims at the Government House in Benin, said that the government would not tolerate any case of absconding.
Obaseki said that such act would put the state and the country in bad light.
“Let me say this here, please avoid the temptation to abscond because as a state, we will not tolerate it; ensure that you all return after your pilgrimage to serve God in your country.
“Though Nigeria may be going through economic, social and political challenges, it is my belief that we all need to play our part in repositioning our country.
“It will be a serious mistake if any of the pilgrims choose to abscond in the holy lands or relocate elsewhere in search of greener pasture.’’
According to him, their journey to the holy lands is for spiritual renewal; in this regard, all of you are going as ambassadors of our dear state.
Earlier, Mr Patrick Ighayere, Secretary, Edo Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, who represented the chairman of the board, said 83 pilgrims comprising of 34 females and 49 males were set for departure to the holy land.
He said the group would be in the holy land from Dec. 10 to Dec. 16 to seek God’s face, adding that the exercise would increase their faith as they return to the country.