Akpabio solicits support for pilgrims

Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has appealed to local government chairmen, Non-Governmental Organisations, churches and well-to-do individuals to partner with his government for bankrolling the cost of financing more people to go to Israel on pilgrimage this year.

The governor made the appeal on Sunday at the formal reception and thanksgiving service in honour of 2010 returning pilgrims at the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Uyo.

Akpabio, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Nsima Ekere, thanked the chairmen and other individuals for paying their way and helping others during the 2010 pilgrimage.

He called on those who enjoyed the benevolence of government to the 2010 pilgrimage to live as reformed Christians and contribute meaningfully towards the growth and progress of the State.

Akpabio, who noted with gratitude, the good conduct and prayerful life of the pilgrims while in Israel, urged them to support his administration in its determined effort to transform the state socially, physically and spiritually and to pray for the peace and progress of the State.

In his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Uyo, Rev. Isaac Orama, who took his text from the book of Acts Chapter 8 Verse 34 in the Bible, preached on The Fruits of Pilgrimage.

In his address, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Vincent Nyoyoko, thanked Akpabio for not only footing the bill for 1000 pilgrims but also for giving enhanced Pilgrims Travelling Allowance and providing other necessary logistic support to ensure a hitch-free pilgrimage.

Commending the good conduct of the pilgrims, the Chairman stated that the 2010 pilgrimage was eventful as God answered their prayers without any incident of absconding or death throughout the exercise.

As Christians, Nyoyoko said it was expedient to rise in support of the Akpabio Administration “to fight those vices that are threatening our existence as a people.”