A hundred out of 165 of the first batch of pilgrims from Anambra State to Israel fell sick in Jerusalem due to adverse climatic conditions over alleged non-compliance with the rules guiding pilgrims to the holy land.

Making this disclosure at the weekend in Awka, the State Chairman of the Christians Welfare Pilgrims Board, Dr Levy Mounau, said that they were told to administer their drugs as usual and to go with their drugs for those on drugs, but expressed regret that they fell ill despite the workshop given to them prior to the trip, as they would felt the impact of the climatic change.

Muonau said that he was very proud of the second batch that returned last week as “there was no record of ill-health, having complied with the health rules and misbehaviour either at the airport or in the holy land.

“The pilgrims abided by the law of no excess luggage, or violation on medication or display of unhealthy table manners during feeding throughout the period of their pilgrimage in the holy land,” he revealed.

He said: “165 (first batch) pilgrims that travelled in October 25 this year came back without any absconding and with reports of good conduct, but 100 persons fell ill as a result of non-compliance with instruction but the case was different in this second batch.”

He added that the lapses of having shortage of medical personnel in the first batch were addressed and two aircrafts were used to airlift the second batch to avoid the problem of no space which was experienced in the first trip.

State Chairman of the Board who also is the National Vice President of all chairmen and secretaries of Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board commended Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State for keeping to his promise of providing to the board all assistance required for successful pilgrimage.

The governor had earlier expressed satisfaction with the board for the able way it was piloting the affairs of pilgrims in the state, observing that the pilgrims did not abscond while in the holy land.

The governor said that he was happy that no negative story was recorded against the state, adding that it was proof of the board commitment to maintain its slogan of ‘Light of the Nation’.

•Adapted from Newswatch Times.

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