Kogi Christian Pilgrim Commission to make Lokoja "Jerusalem" for Pilgrims next year »

Kogi State Christian Pilgrims Commission to make Lokoja a “replica” of Jerusalem, next year InsideStory reports.

The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Pastor Samuel Ajinuhi who made the plans known in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Lokoja, said the replication was for proper sensitisation.

According to him, the Pilgrimage House, when built would give citizens a prior knowledge of what the Holy Land looks like saying that related pilgrimage activities as done in Israel would be introduced and “domesticated” in the state capital for practice by the intending pilgrims before embarking on the journey to the Holy Land proper.

“You will almost be able to see the entirety of what the various pilgrimage sites in Jerusalem look like when we domesticate it here. It will be an avenue to sensitize and educate the people of what to expect in Israel. Our children will not be left out of the innovation. There will be quiz that will engage everyone of them.

“The whole aim is to bring pilgrimage to the door steps of the people of Kogi State. Once you walk into the commission, you will have a pre-knowledge of what Israel looks like. It will almost be like you’re in Jerusalem. Being exposed to all that you need to know right before you.

When asked on what he did differently as the chairman in his first term in office, he said: “In 2016 when I was appointed as the Executive Chairman, I had to do some things differently. I added some wisdom in the way and manner of handling pilgrimages.

“The successes recorded so far in the last four years of my reign, I give it up to team work. Team work made it well organized and successful.

On preparations towards 2020 pilgrimage, he added: “Even though the pandemic forestalled a lot of plans, we are on it and 2020 will be just for preparation. We are looking at January through to February, now that there is vaccine. Once the national office is ready, the date will be announced.”

Speaking on how he promotes the work of God through his office as a pastor, he has this to say: “We work within the laws, we have a law that guides our oppression.

“One of our major activities as a commission is to mobilize and take people to the Holy Land and we encourage the people to work in the steps of Christ, which is working the Bible with clarity in application.

“Working the Bible with clarity in application and deeper knowledge of the scriptures, gives moral deepening and rejuvenates the individual spiritually. Same way the pilgrimage to Jerusalem doesn’t leave you unrevived and reawakens your love and hunger for God anew.

Pastor Ajinuhi commended Governor Yahaya Bello for the love and unity his administration entrenched that bonded the two major religious bodies in the state.