By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission , NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has disclosed the Commission’s move to explore Holy sites in Turkey.
Bishop Adegbite disclosed this on Tuesday when a Turkish delegation from Turquaz Group and Afrosum Faith Tourism in his office in Abuja paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
According to the NCPC boss the place of Turkey in the history of the church is very vital, adding that Turkey takes about sixty percent of the Old Testament events in the Bible.
He said ,”Turkey is significant in pilgrimage; it makes the Bible real.”
Bishop Adegbite assured the Turkish delegation of a robust partnership with the Commission that would snowball into the exploration of Christian Holy sites in Turkey.
He intimated them that most members of the church in Nigeria want to go to Turkey on pilgrimage.
“We are ready to partner with you; it is part of our assignment to take our people to important Holy Sites around the world to make the Bible real.”
“For us at NCPC, we are open; we are ready to partner with credible organizations. We will not cheat you, we will not cheat anybody, you will not cheat us or cheat the government of Nigeria.”
He emphasized that the Commission would always ensure transparency in its dealings with corporate bodies and individuals.
Earlier, the leader of the Turkish delegation, Vice Chairman of Turquaz Group and Afrosum Faith Tourism, Mr. Naci Tamer, stated that about 60 percent of Holy places mentioned in the Bible are in Turkey, as he invited the Executive Secretary and his team to pay an official working visit to Turkey to explore the abundant Holy Sites there.
“We are ready to provide all the Biblical sites, but NCPC will decide on their suitability.” The Vice Chairman also requested that the exploration of sites in Turkey should be carried out as quickly as possible.
He explained that such an exploration visit would include business forums, manufacturers, and opportunities for medical tourism.
Mr. Naci Tamer also hinted that their company intends to set up a diagnostic center in Abuja as a value addition to their Christian pilgrimage exploration prospects in Turkey.
