Being Text of a Farewell Address by His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Garkuwan Doma), Executive Governor, Nasarawa State to the Year 2007/2008 Intending Christian Pilgrims, Lafia, Thursday, 20^th March 2008

PROTOCOLS:

I heartily welcome all of you to this occasion which is to formally bid our Christian brothers and sisters farewell as they prepare to leave for Israel to perform the Holy Pilgrimage. The people of Nasarawa State join you in thanking God for the divine call to participate in this spiritually enriching exercise.

2        It is pleasing to note that this year, the total number of intending pilgrims has significantly increased from the 2007 figure of 194 to 226. Out of this number, 115 pilgrims are being sponsored by the State Government, in pursuance of this Administration's commitment to the deepening and strengthening of the faith of our people, in the overall interest of the State. It is therefore my expectation that throughout this pilgrimage and when you come back, you would devote yourselves to a deep study and understanding of the teachings of God as enjoined by your faith.

3        I believe that this is also an auspicious occasion for me to call on all privileged members of our society to assist in the sponsoring of less endowed individuals who wish to perform this sacred duty. Such acts of charity are pleasing to God and are bound to promote peace and harmony, which is a priority of this Administration.

4        My dear intending pilgrims, as you are all aware, pilgrimage is a journey of faith. I therefore implore you, to begin this journey with sincerity of purpose and commitment to God. The events, times and lives of the great religious leaders which you will study, as well as visits to the holy sites associated with them, should inspire you to greater commitment of service, love and peace with your fellow men and women.

5        Let me remind you that Nasarawa State is acclaimed for orderly conduct during pilgrimages. Our Muslim and Christian Pilgrims from the State have consistently received accolades from the Federal Government and the general public for their self-discipline, patience and orderliness.  I therefore call on you to continue with these good virtues so that you too can keep the good name of our State and our Country. In this regard, I advise all pilgrims against such negative tendencies as drug trafficking, money laundering, theft and prostitution. Let me point out that there are enough opportunities at home for all of us to contribute to the development of our country and therefore no pilgrim should contemplate defection.

6        Ladies and gentlemen, it is important to remind you that Pilgrimage is a spiritual journey which comes with blessings from God. It is not a commercial trip. This consideration should override any other activity which may attract your interest while you are in the Holy land.

7        I am informed that the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has organized orientation lectures for all intending pilgrims as well as taken all the necessary measures to ensure the success of the pilgrimage. I urge you to remember everything that you have been taught so that you will maximize the gains of the pilgrimage.

8        At this juncture, let me once again congratulate the Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Sylvester Ayih, MFR, (Abaga Toni) for the recent national honour bestowed on him. I believe that the award will further encourage you to serve the people of the State and Nigeria in general.

9        I would like to end this address by imploring you to spend your time in the Holy land praying for the peace and prosperity of Nasarawa State. As you are aware, this Administration has commenced the implementation of its 13-point agenda with the signing of the 2008 budget into Law and the commencement of many rural and urban renewal projects. I enjoin you to fervently pray for divine guidance as we strive to positively improve the economic fortunes of our people.

10    It is now my pleasure to, on behalf of the Government and people of the State, bid the Nasarawa State contingent to the 2007/2008 Christian Pilgrimage farewell and good luck.

11    Thank you.