The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has warned Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan to uphold national values and resist any temptation to abscond during the spiritual exercise.
Speaking at a pre-departure orientation in Abuja for more than 142 intending pilgrims, Mahmoud urged them to represent Nigeria with dignity and be good ambassadors of the nation.
“Stringent measures have been instituted to prevent abscondment and any act capable of bringing disrepute to the country,” she said.
The minister also appealed to the pilgrims to use the opportunity of the holy journey to pray for President Bola Tinubu, his Renewed Hope Agenda, and the unity of Nigeria.
“For those contemplating absconding or engaging in activities harmful to our country’s image, I advise you to reconsider. The Federal Government has put proactive measures in place to counter such efforts,” Mahmoud warned.
Reinforcing the minister’s message, the Acting Director of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Gloria Dandam, said the government maintains a zero-tolerance stance on abscondment.
She stressed that guarantors of any pilgrim who fails to return would be held legally accountable.
“We don’t anticipate any abscondment, but if it happens, the guarantors will be arrested and prosecuted. They signed legal documents and will be held responsible,” Dandam stated.
She further noted that the FCT has maintained an excellent track record in recent years, with no cases of pilgrims absconding during trips.
Both officials emphasized that the pilgrimage should remain a spiritual journey, not a cover for illegal migration, and called on participants to prioritize personal integrity and Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
