The Governor of Delta State,
Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has called for thorough screening of intending pilgrims
to Jerusalem to stem recurring cases of absconding of some pilgrims in the Holy
Land.
Okowa made the call on Tuesday while swearing-in Apostle
Sylvannus Okorote as his Special Adviser on Religious Matters and the
inauguration of members of Boards of seven parastatals in Asaba.
He said that
there was a need for a screening process devoid of sentiment in order to prevent
re-occurrence of pilgrims absconding after arriving at the holy land.
“The
issue of people absconding in Jerusalem rather than going for the purpose for
which they were sent there is becoming very worrisome and a lot of work is to
be done to check this trend.
``There
have been information showing that three persons absconded in the current
pilgrimage; there will be an investigation to look into the sources where the
recommendations for these individuals came from.
This
is because such an incident is very embarrassing and that is unacceptable from our
state; so, the process of screening for pilgrimages must be one that is
thorough; one that is devoid of sentiment.
``When
we find those responsible for this mishap, they will no longer be allowed to
make recommendations now and in the future,” he said.
The
governor charged chairmen of the boards to work in harmony with the management
of the parastatals and agencies, saying the boards would provide the policy
guidelines and ensure efficient management of resources.
According
to him, doing so will enable them to achieve the set objectives and targets of
the parastatals and agencies.
He
added that the inaugurations and swearing-in were in line ``with our goal of
strengthening this administration for optimal performance.
``I
want to urge the management and board members to realise that when you work
together it is more likely to achieve greater strides in the development of our
state.
``This
should be clearly understood to minimize friction and I believe that the common
goal for all to have is to perform at our various agencies and be able to do
our duties”.
Chairmen
of the boards are Mr Felix Ofuo (Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba), Dr Ifeanyi
Osuoza (Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri) and Chief David Oghenekevwe (Delta
Printing and Publishing Company Ltd.).
Others
are Dr Austin Obidi (Hospitals Management Board), Mr Emmanuel Utomi (Delta
Development and Property Authority), Princess Tina Amuamuziam (Tourism) and
Bishop Cyril Odutemu (Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board).
In
his response, Okorote thanked the governor for the appointment and assured that
religious bodies in the state would contribute meaningfully to the achievement
of his stronger Delta agenda.
Also
responding on behalf of Board chairmen, Dr Austin Obidi pledged that they would
carry out their duties to the service of Deltans dedicatedly.
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