The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has compelled the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) to alter pilgrimage plans from visiting Biblical sites in Israel and Jordan to sites in Greece and Rome. This announcement came from the Executive Secretary, Rev Yakubu Pam, during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
Pam emphasized that the security and well-being of the pilgrims remain the top priority for the NCPC. The commission had previously suspended the December 2023 pilgrimage to Israel due to security concerns. After waiting for a resolution to the Israel/Hamas conflict, Pam personally led a research team to assess accommodation facilities and Biblical sites in Greece and Rome.
“I have led NCPC teams to inspect holy sites across Greece and Rome. Accommodation and good hospitality are assured as the very first batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims visit these places to connect physically with New Testament locations,” he stated.
The new pilgrimage sites include locations significant to Apostle Paul, known as Saint Paul, who played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. The NCPC revealed a new pilgrimage cost of N3m, covering flights, hotel accommodation, three-course meals, and tours for six nights and seven days.
Pam informed that this cost is exclusive of pilgrims’ travel allowances, and payments need to be made before the end of January 2024. In the midst of these developments, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of nine members to serve on the board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.
Colonel Aloche Adole is appointed as Chairman, with Dr. Stephen Adegbite as Secretary. The other members include Mrs Omowumi Ogunlola, Clement Nweke, Prince Wosu, Prof. Joseph Mamman, Dr. Toma Ragnjiya, Dr. Simon Dolly, and Raphael Nwankwo representing the Christian Association of Nigeria.
President Tinubu urged the new appointees to consider their roles as an opportunity to serve the nation and commit themselves wholly to this important purpose.
