The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara has charged intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria through their conduct in the Holy land. He gave this charge during the flag off of 2015 October/December pilgrimage programme at Pilgrims Terminal, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja over the weekend.
He affirmed that Israel is a nation with no financial capacity, but human capital with which they have been able to transform a desert to a land of abundance. Thus, he urged the pilgrims to tap from the wealth of Israeli’s knowledge so that they would come back as charge agents.
He emphasized that the simplicity and morality of the pilgrims should be seen in their deeds and not in their words.
He urged them to make Nigeria a great nation by praying for the President and all others in authority. According to him, “we cannot make our nation great without praying for those in authority”.
He further urged the pilgrims to be obedient to instructions and ensure that they make their stay in the holy land a period for reflection and seeking the face of God on behalf of Nigeria and its leadership.
Speaking at the event, the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who was the special guest of honour commended the Executive Secretary of NCPC for ensuring that pilgrimage programmes are being handled in a well organized manner. He affirmed that numerous visible innovations that have been brought into pilgrimage by the commission including “A day with Jesus in Israel”, which avails leaders in Nigeria the opportunity of praying for the nation in Holy land. According to him, “it’s a privileged we have to pray and enjoy God’s intervention in our lives and nation”.
He described the journey to the Holy land as a privileged for Christians to visit the places and walk in the paths where the lord Jesus Christ walked.
He urged the pilgrims to seize the opportunity of visiting the Holy land to access God in honest prayers for themselves, their families, Communities, States and the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. In his words, “your country needs you and you need the country too, so you must pray for your nation”.
He encouraged Christians to embrace the ownership of Christian pilgrimage by way of self sponsorship, adding that well meaning Nigerians should sponsor Christians who are materially poor, but spiritually rich to embark on pilgrimage.
In his remarks at the event, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Uriel Palti assured the intending pilgrims of their safety in Israel. He equally commended the visionary leadership of the NCPC helmsman.
Dignitaries at the event include: the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Simon Lalong, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom, Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere and NCPC Federal commissioners, inter-alia.
{gallery}2015 FLAGOFF CEREMONY{/gallery}