The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam has said that the Commission is reinventing pilgrimage because this would be the first time Nigeria is embarking on Israel and Jordan Pilgrimage. He made this assertion at the Flag off ceremony of the 2021 main pilgrimage exercise to Jordan and Israel which was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja on 15th June, 2022.
Rev. Pam charged Nigerians to always be willing to embrace change, according to him," it was change that brought about the Jordan pilgrimage last year which was conducted successfully". He therefore urged stakeholders to embrace the change as they come and also partner with the Commission to always make it a success.
He further explained that with the outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic in 2020, it was perceived that pilgrimage would no longer be possible but with the help of God, NCPC was able to conduct a successful Pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Jordan amidst the pandemic, he opined that this was the first of its kind.
The NCPC Boss disclosed that the spiritual leader for this year's pilgrimage exercise is Arch. Bishop Kaigama. He also said, this year's pilgrimage destination would be Israel, Jordan and Rome.
Rev. Pam admonished the intending pilgrims to be proud representatives of Nigeria and as such they should not disappoint the country.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr.Boss Mustapha who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office Dr. Maurice Mbaeri in his speech said, Pilgrimage has always provided an avenue for followers of many religions to find their roots and spiritual fulfillment. He added that the Holy Book enjoins believers to participate in Pilgrimage as part of their call.
He explained that in furtherance of this biblical injunction, the government of Nigeria had actively supported Christian Pilgrimage by not only creating the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, but has fully funded it's activities and programmes. According to him, Christian Pilgrimage has over the years been modified and expanded in scope and operations and so, he commended the management of NCPC which is headed by Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam.
The Chairman of the Conference of States, Rev. Isaiah Magaji in his vote of thanks, appreciated the efforts being put together to make this Pilgrimage a success, he admonished the intending Pilgrims to be of their best behaviour over there at the Holy Land and he prayed for safe arrival to the pilgrimage destination and also a hitch free and successful Pilgrimage exercise.