GOVERNOR BEN AYADE PROMISES SUPPORT FOR NCPC PILGRIMAGE PROGRAMMES

The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade has assured that the State would participate in the youth pilgrimage and Lottery Scheme that was introduced into the Pilgrimage Programme by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission. He gave this assurance while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara and his team who were on a sensitization visit to t Government House, Calabar.

He affirmed that pilgrimage remains a great heritage in the Nigerian culture, through which the moralities of citizens are strengthened.

The Governor commended the NCPC helmsman for the tremendous innovations he has brought to bear in the Commission's pilgrimage programmes. He encouraged the Commission to stay strong in the Lord and prayed that God would grant t it the strength and wisdom to accomplish the task set before it.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, John Kennedy Opara commended the Governor for the ongoing projects in the state, particularly, the completion of a connecting bridge that now links the state with other places.

He informed on the four pilgrimage programmes the Commission runs in a year: the Easter pilgrimage, youth pilgrimage, Family pilgrimage which avails families the opportunity of praying together in the Holy Land and the main pilgrimage which is usually held between October - December.

He further informed that Skills Acquisition has been introduced to pilgrim's activities in the Holy Land and that over 1000 youths participated in the 2015 youth pilgrimage exercise and were exposed to various skills, especially in the area of Agriculture.

The NCPC boss explained that the Commission is presently partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture, Israel, to empower Nigerian youths to become self reliant and financially independent.

He further explained that Israel runs one of the best and strongest economy in the world as a result of their Agricultural system. In his words, "This is what we want to tap from and bring back to Nigeria".

Mr. Opara affirmed that the Commission uses pilgrimage as a tool for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth. Thus, ensures that the spiritual content of pilgrimage is maintained at all times.

He intimated the Governor about 'A day with Jesus' programme being organized by the Commission to avail Nigerian leaders the opportunity of praying for their States and the nation in the Holy Land.

He urged the Governor to encourage well meaning citizens in the State to sponsor Christians who are spiritually rich, but materially poor to encounter God in the Holy Land.