Ogun pilgrims arrive Jordan safely in high spirit

Christian pilgrims from Ogun State have arrived safely at Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan aboard a Southwind Boeing 737 aircraft.

The pilgrims had earlier departed Abeokuta for Lagos after a farewell service held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, and were airlifted in the early hours of Sunday at about 1:30 a.m.

During the farewell address, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo, reminded the pilgrims that the journey to the Holy Land was not a leisure trip but a sacred opportunity for spiritual renewal and deeper communion with God. He urged them to conduct themselves with integrity and decorum as representatives of Ogun State and Nigeria.

The governor emphasised that unity, cooperation and strict adherence to laid-down rules were essential for a successful 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 the pilgrims against distractions that could undermine its essence. He advised them to dress modestly, eat moderately, remain with their assigned groups, obey the laws of the host country and follow the instructions of tour guides throughout the journey.

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

A total of 172 pilgrims from the state are undertaking the 10-day holy pilgrimage to Israel.