Abuja — SENATE President, David Mark, yesterday, urged Nigerian pilgrims to this year's pilgrimage in Israel, to remember the country in prayer at this trying times of the nation's history.

Mark, who told the pilgrims that pilgrimage was not a jamboree but a place for complete submission to God, stressed that the challenges, including insecurity, facing the nation, will soon be a thing of the past.

Speaking, yesterday, while addressing the pilgrims from St. Mulumba's Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, ahead of their departure to Israel, Mark enjoined the pilgrims to devote time to reflect on the situation in Nigeria and commit it to God for divine intervention.

Senator Mark said with honesty, commitment and resolve by all citizens, Nigeria would overcome the challenges. He urged them to exhibit good conduct that would improve the image of the nation abroad.

Mark said: "Your conduct would go a long way to show that Nigeria is not a country of bad eggs, or otherwise.

"Remember you are going to Israel on religious mission not jamboree or for any commercial interest. You must put Nigeria first in all you do.

"Besides, you must go as a team and return as one group. Any attempt to abscond or behave in any manner unacceptable of a responsible citizen would not be tolerated."