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The atmosphere at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, was filled with gratitude and excitement today as 72 prospective Christian pilgrims from Benue State received a farewell address from Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. The event, held at 8:20 PM WAT, marked the official send-off for the pilgrims, who are scheduled to travel to the Holy Land from September 15 to 25, 2025.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Michael Melladu, disclosed that all 72 pilgrims have been screened and cleared by the Israeli Embassy, with visas granted to all. He commended Governor Alia for fully sponsoring the pilgrimage, covering flight, accommodation, feeding, and allowances for all participants. Rev. Melladu expressed profound gratitude, stating, “His Excellency has been so gracious. Practically everything has been paid for. We are not going to take this for granted.”
The pilgrims, set to pray earnestly for Governor Alia, his appointees, Benue State, Nigeria, and above all, for security and peace in the nation, were urged by Rev. Melladu to return with renewed faith, new enthusiasm, and a positive spirit to inspire others. The event was marked by solemn prayers, words of encouragement, and assurances of government support.
Governor Alia, in his address, reminded the pilgrims that pilgrimage is not a jamboree or an adventure for leisure, but a profound spiritual exercise with lasting impact on their lives. “It has a lot of spiritual fulfillment and contentment. Once you get out there, you don’t come back the same. You return renewed, as one of the apostles tasked with greater mission for your nation and state,” he stated. He encouraged the pilgrims to use the opportunity to pray fervently for Benue State, Nigeria, and its leadership, emphasizing the nation’s need for prayers now more than ever.
The Governor further expressed hope that the pilgrimage would broaden the pilgrims’ perspectives, particularly in agriculture and development, given Israel’s agrarian and security-driven economy. He urged them to challenge themselves and contribute meaningfully to Benue’s growth upon their return. Additionally, he admonished the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Benue and Nigeria, discouraging any form of trafficking or abscondment while abroad. He reminded them that Nigeria remains a blessed nation, richly endowed with food and natural resources, and urged them to embody discipline, moderation, and dignity throughout the journey.
Whether leadership does good or not, some choose to see only the wrong, the Governor noted, highlighting the need for prayers, especially for those who do not believe in the unity and development of the state and country. “At the Holy Land, your prayers will not go unheard,” he emphasized.
The farewell address underscored a collective commitment to spiritual growth and national progress, with the pilgrims departing with the Governor’s blessings and words of encouragement for their sacred journey.
