By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, H.E, Makram Queisi has disclosed plans to strengthen bilateral relations in the Tourism sector between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Jordan.
Queisi made this known on 2nd April, 2023 in his office in Jordan when he received the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam and his teem on a courtesy visit to his office.
He said, ” we are so pleased to have this relationship. I will be glade to pay you an official visit in Nigeria because we need people to reconnect with our history, especially in Africa.”
The JordanianMinister of Tourism told the NCPC boss that his country attaches so much importance to the relationship between both countries , stating that the relationship between Nigeria and Jordan was deep-rooted.
He explained there are many holy sites in Jordan and prominent among them were the five important locations for Christian approved by the Vatican.
Queisi assured the NCPC boss of his willingness to collaborate with the Commission in cultural exchange, medical tourism, farming agricultural programs , visa procurement within a short space of time, issuance of multiple visas and ensure the safety of the Nigerian Pilgrims.
He stressed he had enjoyed excellent relationship with Nigeria not only on religious matters, but in other areas of life .
Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam hinted that the NCPC Act of 2007, empowers the Commission to coordinate and superintend pilgrimage activities to the holy sites in Israel, Rome, and Greece.
He stated that under his leadership, he was able to commence pilgrimage exercise to Jordan in 2021. He explained since 2021 about 7,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims had visited Jordan excluding private sponsored Pilgrims .
He congratulated the Tourism Minister for his well-deserved appointment .
The NCPC boss,” I believe in your tenure, the Ministry of Tourism will move to higher heights.”
He further spoke on the need for cultural exchange between Nigeria and Jordan.
According to him,” We are here to build more bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Jordan.”
He solicited for a renewed security control for the Nigerian Pilgrims to discourage absconding.
He requested that the Jordanian Minister of Tourism to review the duration of days for the procurement of Jordanian visas for Nigerian Pilgrims.
Furthermore, he further canvassed for multiple visas for pilgrimage leaders and Nigerian officials to enable them to travel to Jordan with ease.
The NCPC boss informed his host that the Commission would strive to leverage based on Jordan by exploring its rich agricultural potentials, investments, farming agriculture for youths, medical tourism for the aged in Nigeria as well as cultural exchange and educational opportunities.
Rev Pam assured the Minister that Nigeria would continue to learn from the inter – faith harmony which had been entrenched in Jordan.
