Following the expiration of the mandatory term of office of members of Akwa Ibom State Pilgrims Welfare Board, the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has announced the dissolution of the Board.

Governor Emmanuel made the announcement at the Exco Chambers of the Government House, Uyo when the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission led the National Executive members of the Commission and its Akwa Ibom State members on a courtesy visit to the Governor.

The Governor, who commended members of the Pilgrims Board for the meritorious services rendered while serving in the Board spoke of their invaluable role which he said has culminated in the propagation of Christian values, virtues and beliefs in the State.

He observed that Akwa Ibom State sponsors the highest number of Christian Pilgrims to the Holy land and used the occasion to announce government’s decision to key into the training programmes initiated by the Commission to enable indigenes of the State benefit from the vast technology of other countries.

Mr. Udom Emmanuel commended the Pilgrim Commission for their efforts in ensuring that pilgrims have a safe and congenial atmosphere to observe the religious rites and charged the Commission not to rest on it oars but use the platform to foster peace in the country.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara in his remarks described pilgrimage as a veritable tool for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth. He noted that pilgrims are expected to acquire skills in Israel so that they can be more productive on their return to Nigeria and that the introduction of family pilgrimage adds value to the skill acquisition programme which has been incorporated in the spiritual exercise.

The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara presenting the Commission’s blueprint to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel during their courtesy visit at the Exco Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Uyo.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel administering oath of office on Transition Committee Chairmen of the 31 Local Government Councils in the State.