The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Tor Uja has called on the states in the North without an established Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards to set up one. He made this disclosure on 19th May, 2017 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano during the Maiden flag off of intending Christian Pilgrims to Israel from the Kano International Airport.
He stressed that having the Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards in the states in the North would stimulate development and speed up effective coordination of Christian Pilgrimage activities in the states. He informed that the Commission recently created eight Metropolitan offices across the country to stimulate pilgrimage activities in the metropolitan areas with a view to bringing pilgrimage nearer to the people.
According to him, “NCPC has created eight metropolitan offices; four in the North and four in the South. The states are Kano, Sokoto, Gombe, FCT, Awka, Lagos, Asaba and Port Harcourt.
Rev. Uja commended Governor kashim Shettima of Borno state for his pilgrimage support to the Christians in Borno state, especially for sponsoring about 130 Borno Christian Pilgrims to the Holy Land of Israel. He described the Borno Pilgrims as veterans who have come out from the battle of insurgency in the state. His words; “I want you to know that you are victorious.” The NCPC boss stressed that the defeat of insurgency in the North East is a new dawn for all the Northern states in Nigeria.
He admonished all Christians who have suffered persecutions in this country not to hold it against anybody. Rev. Uja stressed that the two faith in Nigeria- Christianity and Islam must work together. He explained that the Commission has entered into a working synergy with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to promote pilgrimage and to promote peace in the country. His words: “We believe that Muslims and Christians can work together for the betterment of ourselves and for the betterment of the society.
The NCPC helmsman urged the departing pilgrims from Borno to go to Israel with one goal which is “know Christ and serve Nigeria better”. He further stated that aside spiritual pursuit in Israel, Pilgrims should explore the technological development of Israel so that they could transfer such exposure and knowledge back home. He warned them against absconding in Israel. According to him, “anyone who absconds in Israel is sick” He explained that Nigeria is a great nation with a lot of opportunities. His words: “I believe that God is taking Nigeria higher”
He intimated the intending pilgrims that the Commission has set aside a special day of prayer during pilgrimage where every pilgrim is expected to pray for themselves, for the quick recovery of the President, for the Acting President to effectively steer the ship of leadership on behalf of the President and for the well being of the nation.
He prayed that the intending pilgrims would go to Israel in safety and return in good health.
On the whole, about 281 intending pilgrims were airlifted in this batch of Easter pilgrimage to Israel, 124 from Borno state and the rest from FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu and Plateau state.
