Governor Biodun Oyebanji has warned 17 Christian pilgrims to Israel to refrain from acts that could jeopardise Nigeria’s interest and corporate image.

Mr Oyebanji gave the warning during a prayer service held for the pilgrims before their journey to Jerusalem on Friday in Ado-Ekiti.

He described the spiritual rebirth of citizens as strategic to the development of any nation on the strength that it brings the required attitudinal change and character rebranding.

Mr Oyebanji appealed to the contingent to be zealous with the spiritual exercise, so that the gains could manifest in their lives.

“We desire a society that is corruption-free, where people can imbibe the fear of God in their operations and daily lives. I therefore charge you to pray not only for yourselves but for our dear state, nation, and the world at large. We live in times that require our collective prayer and unity more than ever.

“I charge you to be focused when you get to the holy land for you to maximally derive the gains inherent in this journey.

“I plead that you do not engage in any act that can jeopardise the intentions of this pilgrimage and put our nation into unwarranted international embarrassment,” he said.

The governor reminded the pilgrims that the journey was not physical but spiritual, which made it expedient for them to make the necessary sacrifices and piety to make their participation bear the expected fruits.

In his short exhortation, the Government House chaplain, Segun Awolumate, said the Bible described those who embark on spiritual voyages as blessed.

Mr Awolumate, however, said that the promise of blessings would only bear fruits and manifest positivity if the pilgrims embrace holiness.

“I expect you to be holier and believe more in God after this journey. You have to be fully revived. Your prayers too must bring revival to Ekiti and Nigeria.

“The land you are visiting is not ordinary, it is filled with spirit and covenant of God. Make good use of this opportunity,” Mr Awolumate said.

(NAN)