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  • New NCPC Boss, Bishop Adegbite says it’s new beginning for Pilgrimage in Nigeria

    New NCPC Boss, Bishop Adegbite says it’s new beginning for Pilgrimage in Nigeria

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The new Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Bishop Stephen Adegbite has said it is a new dawn and a new beginning for NCPC and Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.

    Bishop Adegbite made this pronouncement on Thursday at his first strategic meeting with the states Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers at the NCPC Office in Abuja.

    He said,” as we begin our journey together, it is a new dawn; a new beginning”. He explained that the stakeholders must see themselves as partners in progress with the Commission.”

    The Bishop said that states Pilgrimage Leader must play pivotal role as major stakeholders of the Commission in the advancement of Christian Pilgrimage in their various states as well as Nigeria.

    He urged them to see pilgrimage as a passion and not a jamboree. His said, ” every year I go on pilgrimage something new must happen, therefore let us see pilgrimage exercise as a passion because there is reward in doing so.”

    Bishop Adegbite however noted that Nigeria is passing through challenges just like every other nation but urged Nigerians to continue to pray that the Lord would heal our land.

    While calling for a rebuild of people’s confidence in themselves, thanked them for the sacrifices they have made in the past and the ones they would make in the future.

    The Bishop also gave them the assurance that he would operate with honesty and integrity while carrying every one along.

    According to the NCPC boss,” together we will move Nigeria forward and we will change the narrative”.
    Bishop Adegbite hinted that the Commission would soon advertise its expression of interest in both local and international print media for prospective service providers to bid for the 2024 pilgrimage exercise.

    According to him, it is no longer going to be business as usual, but openness and sincerity would be the hallmark of his leadership.

    He reiterated that due process would be followed religiously under his watch .

    ” I am not going to indulge in illegality, he stressed.
    Speaking, the Chairman of Conference of States which comprises Chairmen and Secretaries of states Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Rev Isaiah Magaji congratulated Bishop Adegbite on behalf of his colleagues for a well deserved appointment by President Bola TInubu as the 4th substantive Executive Secretary of the Commission.
    I Rev Magaji said, ” we always try by all means to carry each other along”.He said,” carrying us along in every activity of the Commission counts a lot.”
    He assured the NCPC boss of their maximum cooperation.
    He further solicited the assistance of the NCPC boss in reaching out to their state governors on sensitization drive as this would help in leveraging their efforts in their various states.

  • NCPC delegates arrive Rome, Greece on pre- visit ahead of 2023 main pilgrimage exercise

    NCPC delegates arrive Rome, Greece on pre- visit ahead of 2023 main pilgrimage exercise

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, officials and State pilgrimage leaders have embarked on a Preparatory for the 2023 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Rome and Greece.

    The NCPC delegation arrived Rome, Italy on Saturday, 16th December, 2023 on a Pre- visit to visit some of the important holy sites and inspect some of the hotels that would be used by the intending pilgrims for the forthcoming Pilgrimage exercise which would commence by early next year.

    The delegation led by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam arrived Fiumcino International airport, Rome at about 1:30 pm local time, and were warmly received by the ground handlers.

    The delegation inspected some important Biblical holy sites in Rome and Greece.

    While in Rome, the delegation would visit Mamertine Prison, St.Peter,s Basilica, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, amongst others.

    The delegation comprised of the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Maurice Mbaeri, NCPC directors and Chairmen and Secretaries of the various states Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards.

    In a statement signed by Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director/Head Media and Public Relations the Commission and the States Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers have resolved that Rome and Greece would be the next pilgrimage destination options for the December 2023 Main Pilgrimage exercise in view of the the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, hence the Pre -Visit to the two countries.

  • NCPC To Adopt Whistle-Blowing Mechanism to curb Pilgrim Abscondment

    NCPC To Adopt Whistle-Blowing Mechanism to curb Pilgrim Abscondment

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, said it would adopt the whistle – blowing mechanism to curb pilgrim abscondment perceived to be aided by Staff of the Commission.

    This was contained in a communique reached at the end of a 4 – Day Retreat held in Jos, Plateau State from Monday 4- Thursday 7, 2023.

    The NCPC also resolved that all intending pilgrims should be thoroughly screen, but where it becomes impossible to physically screen any intending pilgrim, should be screened via Zoom in order to beat Visa application deadlines.

    That all screening exercises should be led by very senior and experience officers to avoid the incidents of abscondment.

    In light of this, the name of any suspected pilgrims should be compiled and given to staff traveling with them to nip any attempt to escape on the part of the pilgrims.

    Also, the ratio of staff in any bus should increased in order to curtail attempts of escaping.

    The Commission said it would evolve an effective screening system using State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards to achieve more positive outcomes in its pilgrimage processes.

    That Pilgrims forms for use by State Christian Pilgrims welfare Boards should be carefully and thoroughly harmonized across various States and approved by the Commission before use by such States.

    That all States Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board should treat pilgrims who have been airlifted by the Commission to various Holy Sites as Nigerian pilgrims and not the limited to pilgrims belonging to a particular state.
    That the Commission will embark on continuous re-evaluation of screening reports and the list of names sent for Visa procurement.

  • 2023 pilgrimage to Rome to commence in January- NCPC

    2023 pilgrimage to Rome to commence in January- NCPC

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has announced that the 2023 main pilgrimage exercise to Rome would commence by the third week of January, 2024.

    Dr. Pam disclosed this known in Abuja on Tuesday, 31st October, 2023 at a meeting with members of the Conference of States, which comprised all the States Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers from the states Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board across the 36 states, including FCT.

    He explained that due to the current happenings in Isreal and the Middle East, the stakeholders have unanimously agreed to have the next main pilgrimage exercise in Rome.

    He enjoined the State Pilgrimage Leaders to continue to uphold Isreal and the entire Middle East in prayers for restoration of peace and quick de-escalation of the crisis in that region.

    Dr. Pam enjoined Stakeholders’ to kick start mobilization of intending pilgrims in their various states through effective sensitization outreach.

    He further lauded the efforts of the states who participated in the just concluded Easter Pilgrimage completion exercise which ended on 9th October, 2023

    Earlier, the Chairman Conference of States Rev. Isaiah Magaji who was represented by the Secretary, Mrs. Yetunde Gbafe thanked the NCPC lead for his visionary leadership.

    Magagi urged her colleagues to cooperate with the Commission in order to advance the cause of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.

    She further commended the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam for being able to stabilize the Christian pilgrimage sub- sector in Nigeria as he was also commended for the effective way he had navigated the waters of Christian Pilgrimage for over three years in the saddle.

    The meeting afforded the state Pilgrimage Leaders the opportunity to brainstorm on the challenges and way forward for Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.

    There was Virtual for state pilgrimage leaders who could not attend the meeting physically.

  • Be Christ Ambassadors, NCPC boss enjoins Lagos intending pilgrims

    Be Christ Ambassadors, NCPC boss enjoins Lagos intending pilgrims

    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.

  • Tourism Ministry, NCPC To Develop Religious Tourism Sites

    Tourism Ministry, NCPC To Develop Religious Tourism Sites

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of Tourism , Ms Lola Ade- John has disclosed that the ministry will partner with the Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCC, to develop Religious Tourism sites in Nigeria.

    and the Hon Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John disclosed this on 23rd August, 2023 when she paid a courtesy call on the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Rev Dr Yakubu Pam in his office in Abuja.

    The Minister said she was in NCPC to solicit support for tourism industry in Nigeria. She explained that the aim was to attract tourists, create jobs for the unemployed and to escalate revenue generation for the country.

    She said ,” we usually think of tourism as having holiday abroad, but it is also about religion, we are used to going to Jerusalem, Mecca and the Vatican.”

    We also have a lot of religious sites of note both christians and Muslims , even traditional religions and we want to capitalize on that to increase revenue , she said.

    The NCPC boss, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam said the initiative of the Hon Minister was laudable and thus there was need to make the world know about the many festivals and religious sites in the country.

    He said there was need to establish and organize places that draw attraction of people outside Nigeria and people within.

    According to him,” we have a lot of festivals, holy sites and traditional sites the world needs to know.”

    Rev.Pam commended the courage of the Hon Minister and her zeal to develop tourism , stating that she is a model for other women in Nigeria.
    End

  • Show Your Talents, Time, Love For Nigeria , NCPC Boss Urges Youths

    Show Your Talents, Time, Love For Nigeria , NCPC Boss Urges Youths

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has tasked the youths on giving back their talents, time and love to Nigeria by engaging in productive and humanitarian ventures.

    He disclosed this today in Abuja when he received to the executive members of the national Models Association of Nigeria, Plateau state chapter who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

    He noted that the youth should be encouraged to give back to the society their talents, time and love so that they could impact positively on their immediate environment by engaging in productive and humanitarian ventures.

    He commended the Plateau Queens for their bold initiatives in championing the worthy cause of promoting beauty and advancing the cause of humanity through interface with the less privileged persons in the society.

    Executive Secretary stated that their humanitarian project is also a good platform to build your capacity for leadership.

    He added, ” this background for grassroot training will give you the needed experience and strength to overcome challenges in future.”

    According to Rev. Pam, beauty does not necessarily mean only physical look, but the interior beauty which encapsulates good character of a person which is also very fundamental.

    He advised his guests to align their models after Christ and other

    mothers of faith in the Bible such as Ruth and Esther .

    Also, the Plateau state Coordinator of the Models Association of Nigeria, Miss Anna Nandi, who described their Association as Queens on the Plateau explained that their visit to NCPC to thank the Executive Secretary for being an amazing father and a mentor to them.
    She further described him as an illustrious and worthy son of Plateau state, and an advocate of peace in Nigeria.
    Nandi said ,” your good deeds are visible for all to see, as “Ambassadors of Models , we are always available to work with you in your peace advocacy programmes.”
    Nandi on behalf of the association also presented an award of excellence to the Executive Secretary.

  • NCPC, Catholic lawyers to sustain humanitarian service, advocate rule of law in Nigeria


    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, and the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, NACL, is set to partner on sustainable humanitarian services and advocacy for the rule of law in the interest of Nigerians.

    The Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam disclosed this when executive members of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers NACL, Abuja branch, paid a courtesy call on his office recently.

    Rev. Pam lauded the NACL, for it’s selfless service to humanity.

    He said, ” I am glad to extend a hand of fellowship to you; it is very rare to have organizations serve humanity free of charge.”

    The NCPC boss charged them to put in more efforts towards ensuring injustice is nipped in the bud, and gender issues are given priority attention.

    “A lot of people pass and die through injustice, I am happy people are picking interest on such issues.”

    He further lauded the Catholic Church round the globe for doing a great service to humanity and mankind by sustaining and preserving pilgrimage Holy sites around the world.

    President of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, NACL Abuja Chapter, Mrs Bunni Aina disclosed that he organization has been in existence for over 20 years and was borne out of the desire to serve humanity and mankind with special focus on the indigent people.

    The NACL takes advocacy talks to prisons where they give public lectures on the administration of Justice and moral conscientiation of the society.

  • Discipline Pivot of Commission’s Survival – NCPC Boss

    Discipline Pivot of Commission’s Survival – NCPC Boss

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC, Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam has advised the staff of NCPC be disciplined because discipline is the pivot of the Commission’s survival.

    Rev. Pam made this call at the retiremenmnt ceremony of Pastor. Rapheal Oyinloye, Head of Special Duties of the NCPC held yesterday at the Commission’s Conference hall in Abuja on 9th June, 202

    As he admonished the staff to be disciplined in their duties, he said,” The Commission will die if we don’t apply discipline”. According to him, ’the Commission is going through some challenges but by the grace of God we have overcome.”

    Also, he charged all Head of Units and Directors to always be of good example for the subordinates to emulate, adding that as leaders they ought to remember the less privileged, while also advising subordinates should be humble to their leaders.

    He commended the retired Deputy Director, Pst Rapheal Oyinyole for his humility and commitment to service and he encouraged him to maintain his dignity and humility even after his retirement from service.

    Earlier, the NCPC Director of Administration, Barr. Sonny Ebiyaibo in noted that the Commission is celebrating one of its own for his meritorious years of service to his father land.

    Barr. Ebiyaibo described Pst.Oyinloye as a gentleman who has been committed to the course of the Commission, and expressed joy that the retiree has finished his the race strongly.

    He wished the retiring Deputy Director, Pst.Oyinloye the best as he moves on to his next phase of life.

    He said, “, “The Commission celebrates you and wishes you utmost happiness in your retirement.”

    Pastor Raphael Oyinloye appreciated the Executive Secretary of NCPC for availing him the chance to serve in the capacity he did, as he thanked God for all the blessings, joy and happiness during his service.

    He also admonished staff to always be patient while discharging their duties .

  • NCPC Airlifts Third Batch Of Pilgrims to Israel, Jordan Via PH Airport

    NCPC Airlifts Third Batch Of Pilgrims to Israel, Jordan Via PH Airport

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, has airlifted the 3rd batch of intending Pilgrims of Imo State to Israel and Jordan via the Port Harcourt International Airport on the 18th of May, 2023.

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam in a farewell, orientation message assured the intending Pilgrims that the Commission would continue to provide excellent service delivery to the Nigerian Pilgrims while in the Holy land.
    He explained that the Commission would ensure that the service providers deliver their own contractual agreement reached with the Commission.

    Rev.Pam said,” We have the right to suspend any of our service providers if found wanting”, as he assured that the welfare of the Nigerian Pilgrims would never be compromised.

    He explained that the Commission would continue to do everything possible to make sure that no pilgrim has any cause to complain as every logistics had been put in place to ensure a smooth and hitch free pilgrimage exercise.

    He described the intending Pilgrims as the Ambassadors of the Commission, stating that once a Pilgrim receives the Jerusalem Pilgrim title, he or she becomes the Ambassador of the Commission through the evangelization of pilgrimage.

    The NCPC lead urged all intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, Christ, Imo State respectively.

    Furthermore, he thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for creating the enabling environment for Christian pilgrimage to thrive in the country .
    He also thanked Gov. Hope Uzodinma for sponsoring about 1000 Imo christians to the Holy land after a period of ten years without pilgrimage sponsorship by the state .

    Chairman of the Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev Fr Gilbert Alaribe, thanked Rev Pam for the unquantifiable cooperation he enjoyed from the Commission.

    Rev Fr Alaribe also thanked the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma for his uncommon concern for the welfare of christians in Imo State.

    He urged the intending Pilgrims to pray fervently for the state and themselves in Jordan and Israel.

    It would be recalled that the first batch of pilgrims from Imo State departed for the Holy land on 28th April, 2023 and the second batch departed on 8th May, 2023 from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu made up of pilgrims from Enugu state.
    This third batch is made up of about 300 intending Pilgrims from Imo State.