The Federal Commissioner, South East of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Dr. Zion Ibenye, has assured intending pilgrims who have presented themselves for screening of adequate attention.

He made the disclosure yesterday in Awka during the screening organised by the board for this year’s intending pilgrims. News Express learnt that only about 500 intending pilgrims had been screened ast at Friday.

Ibenye noted that the normal two days allocated to Anambra was not enough based on the situation on ground, adding that the exercise would be extended to Monday (Oct. 13) to ensure that the aim of the pilgrimmage is not defeated by not screening people who had the intention of building up their spiritual life.

“We encourage Christians of various denominations to take a trip to the holy land as a way of revaluing their Christian life and re-dedicating their lives after witnessing the reality of Christ’s existence on earth,” he said.

Ibenye however expressed delight at the success of the exercise in Anambra State, saying that the number of 850 given to the state will all be screened with nobody being denied the opportunity of transforming for good through the pilgrimmage.

He called on intending pilgrims not to see the trip to the holy land as a mere leisure trip but rather dedicate it for prayers for the country and Anambra State as the country needs prayers more than ever before.

His words: “We all know that 2015 is nearby and it is also a year of general elections so serious prayers need be offered to God in various holy lands where Nigerians go for prayer.

“You should pray as if there is no stability in the country, though we do not wish for instability.”

Speaking, Chairman of Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board and National Vice Chairman of state of conferences, Dr. Levi Monanu, reminded intending pilgrims that the trip is not a jamboree but a moment of stock-taking and sober reflection.

“When we are convinced that stories in the bible was a not a mere fiction or folk tales it will strengthen Christians to be mindful of their daily living so I implore all to be good ambassador of the country and Anambra as a state,” Monanu said.

He noted that the present administration has increased the number from 720 pilgrims in 2013 to 850 this year and also provided all the necessary resources needed to make sure that the screening for the trip succeeds.

Monanu disclosed that the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has provided allowances for non-Anambra people in the state who as Christians wish to up lift their spiritual life and also ensured that people are picked across denominations without partiality.

Bishop Ephraim Ndife, State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN), said that he was overwhelmed by the increase in the number of intending pilgrims for 2014 and urged Christians to be very prayerful when they travel to the holy land.

Bishop David Eberechukwu, President CAN South-East, noted that the State Government has done its bit in encouraging Christians to revalue their Christian life and make amends where necessary and to develop spiritually.

Mr. Okechukwu Obeta, an intending pilgrim and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra Council, said the visit would afford him the opportunity to strengthen his spiritual life and to pray for the country as the general elections draw closer.

“I intend to tread on areas where Jesus did and see for myself the sites in the Bible I read every day. I am hopeful that the exercise would help me in my Christian life as the race is not by human might,” he said.

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