Bayelsa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has conducted a commendation service/orientation for intending pilgrims of the 2022 Easter pilgrimage to the Holy Lands of Israel and Jordan.

The event which took place at the Pilgrims Welfare Board Conference Hall Annex Five, Secretariat, Road Safety road Yenagoa was for one hundred pilgrims.

In a sermon Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State, Very Right Reverend Father, Joseph Opelema said pilgrimage is a sacred journey undertaking for spiritual purposes and not a trip for relaxation and merry making

In his charge to the intending pilgrims, Bayelsa State Governo,r Douye Diri represented by his Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Reverend Godspower Asingba said they should  consider themselves as ambassadors of the state traveling to carry out spiritual functions that will move the state and  nation  to greater heights

Admonishing the pilgrims, chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Archbishop Jacob Akpiri, testified of how he became a better Christian due to the opportunity granted him to attend pilgrimage and encouraged them to be of good conduct, so that such can pave the way for more sponsorship by the government in future.

Executive Secretary of the Board, Sir John Dan-Aputu appreciated the Bayelsa State government for the commitment in sponsoring the pilgrims and stressed the need for them to follow prescribed rules at the Holy Lands

Agencies such as Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Department of State Services took turns to sensitize the pilgrims about the journey.

Special hymns were sung and prayers offered for the Governor, his cabinet, State and nation at large.