By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has enjoined intending pilgrims to see pilgrimage as an opportunity to be representatives of Christ in the Holy Land instead of seeing it as tourism.
Dr. Pam gave them this advise
on Saturday 30th September, 2023 at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State during his farewell address to the intending pilgrims of Lagos State for the fifth batch of the Easter pilgrimage completion exercise to Israel and Jordan.
He emphasized that their reason for Pilgrimage is for spiritual enrichment.
He described Lagos State as the pillar of Pilgrimage in the entire South west, adding that Lagos had always been supportive even in trying period of COVID-19 pandemic.
He said,” when COVID 19 threatened our existence , Lagos encouraged all of us.”
He urged the intending pilgrims to uphold Nigeria in prayer as the country celebrates her 63rd independence anniversary on 1st October, 2023.
He assured that the good days of Nigeria would soon be back , especially under the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration.
He charged the intending pilgrims to pray fervently against the activities of kidnappers and other social vices inhibiting the progress of the country.
He stated that as believing Nigerians, the fifth batch of intending pilgrims comprising mostly Lagos State would come back with miracles, signs and wonders.
Dr. Pam appreciated Mr President for his support, especially his intervention in making the Easter pilgrimage completion exercise a reality.
He also thanked the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu for his relentless effort in advancing the cause of Pilgrimage in Lagos State.
He also commended the Board Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs Yetunde Gbafe for her inclusive leadership. He described her as a unifier who carries everyone in the Board along.
Gbafe thanked the Executive Secretary of NCPC for supporting the Lagos pilgrims, and commended him his visionary leadership in the last three years.
The Special Assistant to the Lagos State governor on Christian Matters , Rev. Bukola Adeleke described the Executive Secretary of NCPC as his father in the Lord, gave the assurance that no pilgrim would abscond in the Holy land, stating that they are Ambassadors of Christ.
