The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, John Kennedy Opara had said that the Commission was driving on
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, John Kennedy Opara had said that the Commission was driving on self sustenance and self sponsorship of Pilgrims. He disclosed this in Yola on Wednesday 19th August, 2015 while on a sensitization visit to the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Senator Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla.
Mr. Opara stated that because of the quest for self sustenance and self sponsorship of pilgrims, the Commission is partnering with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to commence the Christian Pilgrimage Lottery Scheme which would give many Christians the opportunity to go on Holy Pilgrimage to Israel by obtaining a ticket through raffle draw.
He stressed that the beauty of the Christian Pilgrimage Lottery Scheme is that 20% of what is generated would be ploughed back to National Treasury for developmental projects by the government while 50% of the amount generated would be used to sponsor the lucky winners to Israel.
He added that the Scheme would enable Christians who are spiritually rich, but materially poor to embark on Holy Pilgrimage. He posited that if the Commission would be able to achieve this feat, that is self sustenance, “Pilgrimage will be something of pride.”
The NCPC helmsman also informed the Governor that the Commission was using Pilgrimage as a tool for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.
He intimated the No 1 citizen of Adamawa State that the Commission runs four Pilgrimage programme in one Calendar year namely: Easter Pilgrimage, March to April, Youth Pilgrimage: July, Family Pilgrimage, August and General Pilgrimage which usually holds between October to December.
He explained that the maiden Youth Pilgrimage was flagged off on 25th July, 2015 and that the Commission also added the skill acquisition component into the Youth Pilgrimage programme. According to him, “this will help the government in the area of employment because, the youths would be able to acquire skills that will make them self reliant.”
The Governor in his response commended the leadership qualities of the NCPC boss. He called on Christians in Adamawa State to rally round behind his administration.
He affirmed that his administration would continue to be fair to all Adamawa people irrespective of their religious leaning.
Governor Jibrilla equally commended NCPC for the assistance the Commission provided for the State Pilgrims last year. He promised to support the Commission to achieve its laudable goals.
The Executive Secretary was accompanied on the sensitization visit by Archbishop Nemuel Babba, NCPC Federal Commissioner representing North-East, Rev. Amos K. Yohanna, Head of Administration NCPC Abuja, Mr. James Medugu, NCPC Head of Security Unit among others.