From Mathew Jwantu,
Minna
The Israeli government has rated
Pilgrims from Niger state, Nigeria as the best in Israel after an appraisal by the Tailor Made Tours, Israel (TMT) on other states that visited the holy Land between 2019 and date.
Source from Israel indicated that President of the TMT, Israel, Mrs Josephine Zinder was optimistic during the Jesus Pilgrims ceremony in honour pilgrims at Zipory in Jerusalem, that, “Nigeria is very precious to Israel because you are one of the countries that come to Jerusalem and respected.
“You are the best sets of pilgrims from Nigeria, when you prayed God answered; we have done assessment with other states that we have hosted, but Niger state is the best.”
While commending President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state for their continuous support for pilgrims’ participation, Zinger said “Nigeria is the only country in the world that sponsors pilgrims. I commend the President of Nigeria, but I want the Governor of Niger state and other government officials to sponsor more Christians to the holy Land because, they(pilgrims) pray for you here alot.”
While calling on Nigerians not to criticize its government too much but to always pray and act, she said “The secret of Nigeria’s greatness is in the prayers of its People.
“Israel government knows that Nigeria is the future of the world and we (Israel) are sharing every secrets with Nigeria because there is trust and mutual relationship.
Leader of the Niger State Christian Pilgrims delegation to this years pilgrimage, Pastor Yerima El’Yakim Samaila, while making his speech thanked the Israeli government and the pilgrims, saying “for the past six years that I have led pilgrims to the holy Land, this is the best group so far.”
“I commend the Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello for his continuous support and sponsorship. We can only pray and ask for more sponsorship because every pilgrim comes to the holy Land to pray for the state.”
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Niger state chapter, Rev. Mathias Echioda in his remarks said “this is a memorable Pilgrimage, because this is the first time praises and commendation have thronged in for Nigerians and especially Niger state as the best state in pilgrimage.
Acting Director, Christian Department, Niger state Pilgrimage Welfare Board, Joanna Pada thanked Governor Sani Bello for the sponsorship, saying over 90% of the pilgrims are first timers and are very happy.
