The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Uja has said that pilgrimage is not a jamboree or tourism, but a spiritual movement that promotes productive values. He made this disclosure at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on arrival from pre-visit to Israel, Rome and Greece where basic facilities for this year’s pilgrimage were inspected.
The NCPC boss explained that apart from the successful deliberation with relevant stakeholders in Israel, Rome and Greece, the pre-visit also enabled him to meet with chairmen and secretaries of state Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards (SCPWB) for the first time on the way forward for the annual spiritual exercise.
He informed that he would have an enlarge meeting with the chairmen and secretaries of SCPWBS by the end of the month in Abuja to further chart a new course for the Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria and also plan adequately for this year’s pilgrimage.
Rev. UJA also hinted that he would give special attention to training in agriculture for pilgrims participating in this year’s pilgrimage to Israel. To this effect ,he revealed that he had fruitful discussion with some Israeli agricultural experts who agreed to come to Nigeria to help in developing and training our people in modern Agricultural techniques.
The NCPC Helmsman further stated that he was able to meet with officials of the Foreign Affairs and Aviation Ministry on how to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) signed in 2013 between the two countries.
Rev. Uja also mentioned that training of youths was part of the commission’s effort to complement government on the diversification of the nation’s economy in the area of Agriculture.
He appealed to Nigerians, particularly Christian community to come up with initiatives that would help in national development. He stressed that the Nigerian church has done much in a short time and should be encouraged. He added that the time has come to build a Nigeria that “the world will celebrate”
Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner representing North East on the Board of NCPC, Archbishop Nemel Babba described the 2016 pre-visit to Israel, Rome and Greece as very fruitful. He assured that the Board would continue to support the Executive Secretary to improve and move pilgrimage forward better than he met it.
A total of 50 chairmen and secretaries of state pilgrim welfare boards participated in the 2016 pre-visit where they inspected basic facilities preparatory for this year’s pilgrimage.
