By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC,
Rev. Yakubu Pam has said that Nigeria has the most organized and efficient pilgrimage system in the world.
Rev Pam made this assertion in Abuja recently while playing host to the Assistant General Overseer and Coordinator of the Northern Region of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyem.
The NCPC boss explained that owing to the mass movement of Christians
and Muslims to the Holy Land of Israel and Mecca, the Federal Government
had to establish both NCPC and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria
(NAHCON) to coordinate and regulate the activities of Pilgrimage in Nigeria.
He commended the founding fathers of this two pilgrimage bodies
as well as President Muhammadu Buhari for their support for Pilgrimage in
Nigeria.
The notable Christian Pilgrim Officer of said that as a Commission, NCPC would continue to partner with all the Churches in the country, adding that the Commission would also encourage Pastors to preach messages that would elicit the interest of Christians to embark on Holy Pilgrimage.
He further reiterated the fact that the Commission by its Act empowers it to coordinate pilgrimages to Israel and other Holy sites around the world such as Greece and Rome.
He urged the clergy to own and drive Pilgrimage. He urged Pastor Odeyem to use his reach to appeal to his faithful to buy into Pilgrimage and encourage self-sponsorship of intending pilgrims.
He intimated the cleric that the Commission usually interfaces with various church leaders in order to bring them closer to the Commission and chart a new cause for Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria in line with the Commission’s mandate.
Rev.Pam cashed in on the visit to commend the visible innovation that the Redeemed Church of God had brought to the Ministry of God by ensuring that the presence of the Church is well felt in every nook and cranny of the Country.
He further commended the visionary and sacrificial leadership of its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye who has always been in the forefront of purposeful leadership.
Pastor Ezekiel Odeyem said that his visit was to congratulate Rev Pam on his well-deserved appointment and to partner with the Commission in pilgrimage matters.
