Christian Pilgrims from Nasarawa State have been urged to be good ambassadors of the State by giving good account of themselves while in the Holy Land. Governor Abdullahi Adamu (Sarkin Yakin Keffi), gave the charge in Lafia while bidding them farewell as they commenced this year's pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Alluding to the Queen's recent visit as well as the CHOGM as evidence of the country's rising profile in the international community in contrast to its former pariah status, Governor Adamu urged the pilgrims not to do anything that would tarnish the nation's reputation.

Governor Adamu who reminded the pilgrims of the "enviable records left behind" by their predecessors also intimated them of the parlous state of the world economy, adding, "None of you should delude himself/herself that you can abscond to seek so-called greener pasture in that country. Nigeria and indeed Nasarawa State need you, your families need you even more".

The Governor urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to educate its members on the need for self-sponsorship rather than relying wholly on government. "The present situation where government has become the sole sponsor of pilgrims to the Holy land cannot be sustained due to changing policies and dwindling resources".

On the importance of the pilgrimage, Governor Adamu said; "As individuals, we can only best realize the dream of the very purpose of this existence under a sound and conducive spiritual atmosphere, adding "it is in this respect that this opportunity for your spiritual re-juvenation and commitment to our creator must be intensively explored for the purpose of gaining maximum fellowship with God. According to him, this is of utmost understanding, commitment and pursuance of the common good become unattainable".

Governor Adamu hoped that the Sojourn would transform the pilgrim’s lives for the better and imbue them with true love for others.

Preaching the gospel of love, Governor Adamu reminded his audience of God's abundant law of love, stating that all true religions preach peace and understanding you the brotherhood of mankind. "We must therefore embrace each other in unity, we have no business being intolerant of one another when our loving God tolerate us now and always.