Facing huge threats from Muslim terrorism like other African states, the President of Nigeria undertook an historic first trip to Israel to seek help and to pray. Views expressed in African media expressed hope and approval and great admiration for the Israelis from every standpoint,--their technological expertise, their sense of brotherhood, their courage and determination in fighting terrorism, and the success with which God blesses them.
Also in the news, the governor of one of the Nigerian states issued a public statement that he envisions a spiritual transformation for his country as a result of this visit.
Also in the news, the governor of one of the Nigerian states issued a public statement that he envisions a spiritual transformation for his country as a result of this visit.
“This being the first pilgrimage by a Nigerian leader to Jerusalem, I believe that God is going to look at Nigeria favourably and our lives would never be the same again."
- Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
"I will bless them that bless thee…" - God to Abraham, Genesis 12:3
"I will bless them that bless thee…" - God to Abraham, Genesis 12:3
Seen first on COLLIVE.COM
Nigerian President, on Historic Visit to Israel, Vows Support for the Rebbe's Emissary
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| Rabbi Yisroel Uzan, the Rebbe's emissary, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall, and Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan |
After praying at the Kotel, President Goodluck Jonathan made a vow to Rabbi Israel Uzan, the Rebbe's emissary to Nigeria.
By COLlive reporter
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is leading a pilgrimage of 3,000 countrymen to Israel, visiting holy sites in Jerusalem and Nazareth. His entourage includes eight governors, seven ministers, three members of the National Assembly and several church leaders. Also traveling with the first sitting Nigerian president to visit Israel is Nigerian Chief Rabbi Israel Uzan, Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Lagos Nigeria in Victoria Island, Nigeria. Increasingly large numbers of Nigerians visit Israel annually, President Jonathan said in a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres. Last year the number came to 30,000, and a significant rise is expected this year. Israel and newly independent Nigeria established diplomatic relations in 1960, which were severed by Nigeria in 1973 following the Yom Kippur War and renewed in September 1992, the Jerusalem Post reported. During the initial relationship with Nigeria, Israel sent experts to help modernize agriculture, health services, and education and also accepted hundreds of Nigerian students for studies in various fields in Israel. After the renewal of relations, Nigeria became an important, multimillion-dollar export market for Israeli military and surveillance equipment, for which Israel also provided the training, according to The Post. President Jonathan visited the Kotel as well, accompanied by Rabbi Uzan and greeted by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites in Israel. After praying together, Jonathan vowed to help the Chabad Shliach with opening a Jewish center to serve the local Jews and many Israeli visitors to Nigeria. He noted his friendship to the Jewish nation and Israel. "I am very emotional from this visit," he said.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is leading a pilgrimage of 3,000 countrymen to Israel, visiting holy sites in Jerusalem and Nazareth. His entourage includes eight governors, seven ministers, three members of the National Assembly and several church leaders. Also traveling with the first sitting Nigerian president to visit Israel is Nigerian Chief Rabbi Israel Uzan, Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Lagos Nigeria in Victoria Island, Nigeria. Increasingly large numbers of Nigerians visit Israel annually, President Jonathan said in a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres. Last year the number came to 30,000, and a significant rise is expected this year. Israel and newly independent Nigeria established diplomatic relations in 1960, which were severed by Nigeria in 1973 following the Yom Kippur War and renewed in September 1992, the Jerusalem Post reported. During the initial relationship with Nigeria, Israel sent experts to help modernize agriculture, health services, and education and also accepted hundreds of Nigerian students for studies in various fields in Israel. After the renewal of relations, Nigeria became an important, multimillion-dollar export market for Israeli military and surveillance equipment, for which Israel also provided the training, according to The Post. President Jonathan visited the Kotel as well, accompanied by Rabbi Uzan and greeted by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites in Israel. After praying together, Jonathan vowed to help the Chabad Shliach with opening a Jewish center to serve the local Jews and many Israeli visitors to Nigeria. He noted his friendship to the Jewish nation and Israel. "I am very emotional from this visit," he said.
Premium Times
Akpabio says Jonathan’s pilgrimage
to Israel will change Nigeria
Published: October 30,2013
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| Governor Godswill Akpabio of the Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom |
Akpabio says: ““This being the first pilgrimage by
a Nigerian leader to Jerusalem, I believe that God is going to look at Nigeria
favourably and our lives would never be the same again.“
Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom says President
Goodluck Jonathan’s participation in the 2013 Christian pilgrimage to Israel is
a turning point in the spiritual rebirth of the country.
This is contained in a statement signed by the
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Aniekan Umana, in
Uyo on Wednesday.
“I believe strongly that being the first historic
pilgrimage by any president in Nigeria since 1914 would be a turning point for
our country.
“I know that past Heads of State and Presidents who were
Muslim had undertaken pilgrimages to Medina and Mecca.
“This being the first pilgrimage by a Nigerian leader to
Jerusalem, I believe that God is going to look at Nigeria favourably and our
lives would never be the same again.
“I am very convinced that this is a turning point for
national rebirth.
“This is a turning point by Mr President to transform
this nation.
“Any transformation that does not
have spiritual connotation is not enough,” the statement quoted Akpabio as
saying.
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