By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam has commended Gov. Hope Uzodinma for the yearly Christmas Carol usually organized by the Imo State Government.
He made this known during the 2022 Christmas Carol which held at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Square on 21st December, 2022 in Owerri, Imo state capital with the theme “Celebrate Christ the Messiah. “
The NCPC Boss expressed delight that such a big gathering was held just for a religious purpose and the governor for setting a standard and keeping to it.
He called on other governors to emulate the Imo State governor is doing to keep the Christmas spirit aflame.
He said , “I want to call on other Governors and the entire country by extension to learn from you, this is very commendable. If there’s anything we need today is to have Governors like you who will bring people together not on a social club nor a political arena but only in a place dedicated to worship God.”
The NCPC boss also called on the people of Imo State to take the Christmas message very serious and to see it as a time to reconcile all differences as Jesus died so that man can be reconciled with God.
“Whatever has been the line of division in the State it is time to advocate for unity and oneness after all power comes from God and He gives it to who ever he deems fit.”
Also speaking on the forthcoming 2023 elections, the ES said, “I pray that the 2023 elections will not become a means of division but rather be used as a cause for unity.”
He charged the youths not to be instruments of destruction of Peace and Progress.
The NCPC Chief Executive thanked the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN for the job well done in planning and organising the Carol in collaboration with the Imo State Government. He described the Imo State CAN Chairman as a leader of influence for being able to gather people of timber and calibre at the grand Carol.
The NCPC Helmsman used the opportunity to announce that the 2022 general pilgrimage exercise is ongoing with about 300 Enugu State Pilgrims in Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan presently on pilgrimage, he further disclosed that the pilgrimage exercise will run through March/ April 2023 hopefully. He called on Sen. Uzodinma and all well meaning interested individuals to do well ton key into the present ongoing Pilgrimage exercise.
The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma in his speech thanked God Almighty for being able to host and hold such a Carol despite all challenges that were faced in the State last year.
He said, “It is very clear to me that God has answered our prayers, so he thanked God for making the people to witness a Merry Christmas.
