CAN Commends Gov’ Zulum for Sponsoring Borno Christians To Holy Land
By Elizabeth Ameh
Christians in Borno State have commended the State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for sponsoring One hundred and One faithful to the Holy Lands of Jordan and Israel for the 2023 pilgrimage.
The Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State Chapter, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, who is also the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, gave the commendation and equally appreciated the Deputy Governor of the State, Usman Umar Kadafur for his successful coordination and arrangement that saw them through to the Holy Land.
The Pilgrims arrived in Jordan, their usual first place of a visit, on Friday, before proceeding to the Holy Land of Israel on Monday.
Speaking at one of the sites in Jordan, The CAN Chairman said the pilgrimage provides an opportunity for Christians to walk the paths of Jesus Christ and renew their faith in the worship of God.
He said it would equally allow the Christiana to pray for peace as the country prepares for the 2023 General Elections.
The Auxiliary Bishop urged the pilgrims to make the best of the rare opportunity and see themselves as pilgrims instead of tourists.
“I commend our Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for giving the Christians in the state this fantastic opportunity of renewing their faith by providing resources from the coffers of the state for their spiritual growth.
I also commend the Deputy Governor for all his efforts at ensuring that the 2023 pilgrimage comes to fruition for the Christians in the State, ” he said.
The Auxiliary Bishop also called on the pilgrims to make the best of the opportunity and see themselves as pilgrims instead of tourists.
Also speaking, the Former Head of Service (HOS) of Borno State, Barr. Simon Malgwi thanked Governor Zulum for sponsoring Christians to the Holy Land to perform this year’s pilgrimage. He congratulated the pilgrims. for being able to make it to the Holy Land.
Barr. Malgwi, who is also a participant and an Adviser to Governor Zulum on legal matters, said, “having read a lot of things from the Holy Bible coupled with the privilege to visit the Holy Land to see for himself those things written in the scripture, has strengthened his faith.”
He added that participants who have touched, felt, and seen the physical manifestation of the Holy Bible would, in turn, return home to testify to those who have never visited the Holy land that those things written in the Bible are not fiction but reality.
Another pilgrim, Engr Ayuba Dawa, said his experience in the Holy Land made him believe that the Holy Bible is r.
“I am happy to be here. My eyes have seen, my hands have touched, and even my legs have walked on those things said in the Bible,” he said.
“We will pray for a peaceful 2023 general elections and a total return of peace to Borno State and the Country as a whole. I commend Governor Zulum for allowing us to renew our faith,” he said.
In their separate comments, other Pilgrims like Ladi Pius, Dr Adamu Arku and Achinari Bitrus thanked the Borno state government for allowing them to visit the Holy Land.
