Date: 2014-07-17

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Welfare Commission, John-Kennedy Opara has commended the Kwara State Government on its various developmental programmes, especially in health, education and electricity as well as job creation and entrepreneurship development despite the state's financial constraints.

Opara gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy call on the State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed as part of the Commission's sensitization visit to Kwara State on the 2014 Christian pilgrimage.

According to Executive Secretary who acknowledged the government's stride on education, job creation and entrepreneurship, "and especially in the health sector where you have launched one of the world class diagnostic centres in the State. It is only a leader who wishes his people well that can think the way you think in the provision of healthcare facilities".

"Your commitment to the people of Kwara State leaves no one in doubt where this state will be in the years to come. You have come as a symbol of unity and as a symbol of change", he noted.

The Executive Secretary described pilgrimage as a tool for moral transformation, adding that pilgrimage from Kwara State were good ambassadors of the state as they were of good conduct.

In his response, Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed urged Nigerians to see pilgrimage as a means of spiritual edification to make the country a better place.

Governor Ahmed urged Nigerians to always pray and work for good governance in the country, adding that there should be no compulsion in religion.

He charged Nigerians to take positive advantage of the diversity in religion for the good of humanity by appreciating that such diversities derive from God's design.