By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, airlifted at least 400 Pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and Bayelsa State on Wednesday as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha flagged off the 2021Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Mustapha charged the intending pilgrims to Nigeria first by praying for the leaders so that Nigeria can take it’s rightful place in the comity of Nations.
The SGF reminded the Pilgrims that COVID-19 is real , so they need to observe all non- pharmaceutical protocols to protect themselves and their Loved ones in the host countries.
Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam said ” We are re-inventing Pilgrimage in Nigeria. What we are witnessing today is the willingness to effect chai. Last year we went to Jordan, Israel and Rome for a change.
Rev. Pam also reminded the Pilgrims that the Pilgrimage is not for Tourism but a Holy journey.
He said, ” l want all pilgrims to pray for the peace and development of Nigeria, adding that they should project themselves as good citizens of Nigeria.
Furthermore the ES thanked the Federal Government for supporting the Commission to realize it’s goals.
The National Assembly Chairman on Pilgrim Affairs , James Owolabi
urged the Pilgrims to propagate the name of Jesus to others as a testimony.
Leader of the 2021 Pilgrims , Bishop Kaigima thanked God for the success of the Pilgrimage, quoting Deuteronomy 1 vs 32, as he called on the Pilgrims to come back to contribute positively to the development of of the country.
He decried the use of religion for negative purposes, as he emphasized, ” it is not acceptable to use religion as a weapon but as an agent for development.
