Christian Pilgrims from Ogun State have landed safely at the Jordan Airport, on board Southwind Boeing 737 airline.

The Pilgrims who left Abeokuta for Lagos after a farewell service, at the Obas complex Oke-Mosan were airlifted on Sunday at about 1.30 am.

During a departure farewell charge, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo stressed that pilgrimage to the Holy Land was not a leisure trip but a sacred period for spiritual renewal and deeper communion with God, urging the pilgrims to conduct themselves with integrity and decorum, as they represent the State and Nigeria at large.

Governor Abiodun emphasised that unity, cooperation and strict adherence to laid-down rules were critical to the success of the pilgrimage.

“Pilgrims must see themselves as ambassadors of the State and the country. Your conduct abroad reflects on all of us and unity among pilgrims is key to achieving the spiritual purpose of this journey,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the Board Secretary, Mr. Ibiyemi Oduyemi, described the pilgrimage as a strictly spiritual exercise and cautioned pilgrims against distractions that could undermine its essence, advising pilgrims to dress modestly, eat moderately, remain with their assigned groups, obey the laws of the land and follow the instructions of tour guides throughout the journey.

He added that prayer should remain the central focus of the pilgrimage and commended Governor Abiodun for his continued support for the pilgrimage programme, describing the state government’s efforts as instrumental to a well-structured and seamless process.

Recalled that the State government had earlier charged the pilgrims to remain spiritually focused, disciplined and law-abiding throughout the pilgrimage in the Holy Land.

 In a chat with some of the Pilgrims, they expressed readiness to commence all the spiritual exercise, promising to adhere strictly to all the rules and regulations laid down.

A total of 172 pilgrims from the State are undertaking the holy pilgrimage to Israel for a 10 day period