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  • NCPC boss enjoins intending pilgrims to shun pleasure, pray for Nigeria

    NCPC boss enjoins intending pilgrims to shun pleasure, pray for Nigeria

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has enjoined intending pilgrims to shun pleasure but to pray for Nigeria.

    Rev. Pam made the appeal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja yesterday when 300 intending
    pilgrims were departing to Israel and Jordan.

    He also urged them to pray for peaceful and successful elections in the country.

    He said ,” seek for prayers and not pleasure ,continue to pray for peaceful coexistence of the nation while in the Holy Land.”

    “This is the 7th and last batch before the general elections and I believe you are going to seal up all the prayers other pilgrims and Nigerians have made for the country.”

    The Executive Secretary cautioned them against smuggling illicit substances to the Holy land and any act that would tarnish.

    “You must avoid anything that will tarnish the image of the country while carrying out your spiritual activities in the Holy land,” he added.

    The NCPC boss expressed happiness that pilgrims from other States had returned to Nigeria without any negative incident after their visit to the Holy Land.

    “I pray you all returned without any single case of abscondment,” Pam said.

    Director FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Audu Dabara , told the intending pilgrims that the exercise was a path way to eternity with some challenges, but at the end of the spiritual exercise they would have cause to rejoice.

    He urged them to be orderly and to keep to all rules and pray fervently for a better nation.

  • Special Pilgrimage: Pope Francis prays for Nigeria as Pilgrims visit Rome

    Special Pilgrimage: Pope Francis prays for Nigeria as Pilgrims visit Rome

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Pope Francis Benedict prayed for Nigeria as the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, paid him a visit at the Vatican in Rome during the debut of the 2022 Special Pilgrimage organized by the Commission.

    The Pontiff received the Nigerian flag from the Nigerian pilgrims and prayed for peace and progress of Nigeria.

    He also prayed for those who lost their lives in the flood incident in Nigeria.

    This is contained in a press release signed by Celestine Toruka Deputy Director/ Head Media & Public Relations made available to Daybreak today.

    The Nigerian Pilgrims were led to the papal audience at the Vatican City by his Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, among other high-profile personalities.

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Dr. Yakuba Pam described the audience with the pope as spiritually fulfilling.

    He also commended the Pilgrims for their good conduct during the special pilgrimage to Rome even though there were some inadequacies, noting that the pilgrims were unable to visit Israel due to operational reasons.

    However, the NCPC Boss has assured the pilgrims, especially the self-sponsored ones that the Commission would come up with a mechanism to accommodate them in the next pilgrimage exercise.

    The President of the Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji who was one of the Pilgrims described the Papal audience as awesome as well as having a special effect on Nigeria as a nation and her people.

    Rev. Akanji said, “the fact that the Pope prayed for Nigeria and her people signifies a new beginning for the country.”

    Furthermore, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Barr. Daramola Bade also affirmed that the Papal audience was the best thing that help the pilgrims, as he expressed happiness for personally handing over the Nigerian flag to Pope Francis.

    He thanked the Commission for providing the platform to meet his Holiness Pope Francis.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Religion,(Christian) very Rev. Bukola Adeleke explained that the number of Holy sites visited during the special pilgrimage to Rome to sites like St. John Basilica, the Basilica of Mary and other important Holy sites is worth the while.

    He commended the efforts of NCPC in putting the Special Pilgrimage together, and prayed that future special pilgrimage to Rome should be improved upon by the Commission.

    Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Barrister Nestor Ezeme expressed joy that the 2022 Special Pilgrimage to Rome has given him a rare opportunity to meet the Pope physically, describing the Papal visit as a lifetime privilege.

    He promised to encourage his other colleagues in other states to see the need to embark on a Special Pilgrimage to Rome with their pilgrims, considering its attendant blessings.

    Ezeme particularly thanked the NCPC Boss for making sure that the special Pilgrimage to Rome was a reality despite all odds, and lauded the NCPC for providing decent accommodation for the pilgrims.

    About 112 pilgrims participated in the NCPC 2022 special pilgrimage to Rome, made up of self sponsored pilgrims, Lagos and Enugu Pilgrims as well as some high-profile personalities which include both the Deputy Governor of Enugu and Nasarawa State as well as some first class traditional rulers.

  • NCPC boss commends pilgrims on exceptional conduct

    NCPC boss commends pilgrims on exceptional conduct

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has commended 8th batch of pilgrims in the Holy land on their exceptional
    conduct.
    Dr. Pam stated this on during the Jerusalem and Jordan Pilgrimage ceremony held in Amman, Jordan on the 24th August, 2022.

    This was contained in a press release signed by Celestine Toruka
    Head Media and Public Relations of NCPC.
    The NCPC who was represented by a member of the Board of the Commission, Mr John Attah said, “you have been very exceptional in your conduct , you were always your brothers keeper”, adding that the pilgrims demonstrated the spirit of brotherhood and love for one another.

    He further noted that Pilgrimage would continue to remain a spiritual with deep spiritual content.

    Pam thanked the board and the entire management of the Commission for ensuring a hitch free, successful Pilgrimage exercise which should be replicated for the spiritual gains back home by living exemplary life.

    He further tasked the pilgrims to learn from the advanced technology and infrastructural development of Israel and Jordan by having a positive mentality on how to contribute meaningfully to the development of their nation .

    Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Borno state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Gaji Genesis affirmed that the 8th batch of pilgrims did excellently well andHe thanked the pilgrims for praying fervently for peace in Nigeria and for the success of the 2023 general election.

    In his remarks, the President of Tabar Tours , Mr Joseph Tabar thanked the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for organizing ensuring a hitch free Pilgrimage exercise.

    He explained that Tabar Tour being one of the leading Ground Handlers in Israel would stop at nothing to ensure that pilgrims always experience spiritual encounter during Pilgrimage and congratulated the pilgrims for acquiring new title of JP and also as good ambassadors of Christ.

    Head of Operations NCPC, Mr Abu Okpanachi commended the pilgrims for being good ambassadors of Nigeria and admonished them to take home all the experiences garnered in the Holy land by impacting positively on their immediate environment and the society at large. Have

    The 8th batch of pilgrims were made up of Borno pilgrims, Yobe and consular officers. The pilgrims during their Pilgrimage experience visited strategic Holy Sites in Israel and Jordan.

  • Hon. Daniya commends Holy Pilgrimage as enriching exercise, urge FG to encourage pilgrims

    Hon. Daniya commends Holy Pilgrimage as enriching exercise, urge FG to encourage pilgrims

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Kwara State Commissioner representative at the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Name Daniya has commended the Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land, describing it as an enriching spiritual exercise

    Daniya gave this commendation recently in Amman, Jordan during the ongoing Christian Pilgrimage exercise, a press release signed by Mr. Celestine Toruka stated.

    He noted that Pilgrimage is an experience which allows pilgrims to visit ,see and pray at the Holy Sites where the prophets of old passed through and the land where our Lord Jesus Christ lived, died and resurrected for the salvation of the world.

    He said,” I thank God that we have been able to see many Holy Sites in Israel and Jordan. ”

    Meanwhile Hon.Daniya has urged the government at all levels to continue to improve Pilgrimage for massive parti because it helps to increase the faith of believers; stressing that prayer is the key to everything in life.

    He stressed that fervent prayer of the people has kept the country together, adding that”what has been happening in Nigeria if it happens else where they cannot survive it. ”

    He further stated,” prayers work effectively, especially during Pilgrimage exercise as we gather to pray for the peace and security of our nation.

    He admonished the pilgrims to continue to demonstrate every sense of responsibility at all times and prayed that God would grant them the wisdom to put into practice the teachings in the Holy Bible.
    Hon Daniya is among the participating Consulars who are supervising the activities of the 8th batch of Christian pilgrims in Israel and Jordan.

  • NCPC BOSS commends Okowa for sponsoring pilgrims to Holy Land

    NCPC BOSS commends Okowa for sponsoring pilgrims to Holy Land

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has commended the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for his consistency in sponsoring Christians on Pilgrimage to the Holy land.
    Rev. Pam who was represented by the Director of Mobilization , Chris Udegbunam gave the commendation on 8th August, 2022 during the orientation programme organized by NCPC for intending pilgrims at the Government House, Asaba.

    He said ,” my special thanks go to the Executive Governor of Delta State,, His Excellency,Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for his consistency in the sponsorship of christians in the state on Pilgrimage and for advancing the cause of Christianity Pilgrimage in Nigeria.

    The NCPC boss also congratulated the intending pilgrims for their level of preparedness both spiritually and physically to embark on the journey of Faith and enjoined them to shun abscondment and warned that the
    Commission frowns seriously at it and would do everything humanly possible to discourage it.
    He further applauded Governor Okowa for being the only State Chief Executive in South South who sponsored pilgrims to the Kingdom of Jordan in 2021.
    Chairman of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Most Rev Cyril Odutemu admonished the intending pilgrims to conduct themselves properly while in the Holy land nothing that the Board would not tolerate any form of unruly behavior in the Holy land.
    He further advised them not to do anything that would undermine the security of the Host County. Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Apostle Samuel Okoh, charged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria .

    About 315 intending pilgrims of Delta State were airlifted to the Holy land of Israel and Jordan
    Monday 8th, August, 2022 from the Port Harcourt International Airport.

  • 420 Pilgrims Arrived Sultan Abubakar 111 International Airport Sokoto After Hajj Operations

    420 Pilgrims Arrived Sultan Abubakar 111 International Airport Sokoto After Hajj Operations

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    About 420 Pilgrims contained in a flight from Saudi Arabia landed Sultan Abubakar 111 International Airport Sokoto after performing this years’ Hajj operations.

    They were received on arrival by the state Hajj committee headed by Alhaji Mai Gwandu.

    The pilgrims who arrived Sokoto with their luggage’s thanked God for safe landing saying it was a Supreme blessing this years’ performance was made easy for them to conduct all procedures that made acceptable operations.

    The chairman,Alhaji Mai Gwandu also explained that it was their duty to make everything possible for pilgrims while at Holy Land to feel concerned by their government in order to conduct successful operations.

  • NCPC boss tasks pilgrims to replicate knowledge gained

    NCPC boss tasks pilgrims to replicate knowledge gained

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr.Yakubu Pam has called on Christian pilgrims to put whatever they have learned during the pilgrimage exercise into practice . He disclosed this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja while recieving the first batch of Christian pilgrims who left Abuja to Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan and have completed their pilgrimage circle on 23rd June,2022.

    Rev Pam explained that the testimonies of the pilgrims have been fantastic.adding that they are excited about their experience in both pilgrimage destinations, Israel and Jordan.

    The NCPC boss commended the active role played by the Medical team , the Spiritual Leaders as well as the pilgrimage mangers for coordinating an excellent exercise.

    He affirmed that the 360 Pilgrms who were airlifted all came back complete without a record of abscondment and he prayed that same testimony would be said of subsequent batches.
    He advised the Pilgrims to go back home and share their experience with people around them, and spread the good news of Christ with what they have heard, seen and also touched with their hands.
    He urged them to be good ambassadors of Christ and also good citizens of our great country Nigeria.

    The NCPC helmsman also intimated that the exercise is on going and hopefully would be rounding off in September.

    Director, FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr.Dabara Audu expressed joy for the safe return of the first batch of Pilgrms airlifted for the 2021 main Pilgrmage to Israel and Jordan.
    He disclosed that all pilgrims went for the real purpose of it and not for any other transaction and tourism or any of sort.
    He said, “the number that went came back the same and in good health. ”
    According to him, “We are happy to be back and hope to make impactful change desired for our nation.”

    The states airlifted for the first batch of Pilgrms to Israel and Jordan were FCT and Bayelsa.

  • First batch of pilgrims from Israel arrive Amman, Jordan

    First batch of pilgrims from Israel arrive Amman, Jordan

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    First batch of Pilgrims from the Main 2021 Pilgrimage Exercise who left Nigeria last Wednesday have successfully arrived Amman, Jordan from Israel.

    It will be recalled that NCPC had on Wednesday airlifted intending pilgrims to Israel and Jordan. The pilgrims first landed in Israel where they spent four(4) days, visiting Holy sites in Israel.

    The Federal commissioner representing the North East on the NCPC Board, Rev. Dr. Jidda Gelengu who is among the first batch, while speaking on the ongoing pilgrimage exercise expressed appreciation for all the efforts put in place.

    He also commended the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam for what he described as good leadership and diversification, and also for his dexterity for putting together a combined pilgrimage destination.

    Rev. Gelengu also commended staff of the Commission for their commitment to their job.
    Gelengu said, “I am happy with the staff here with me as they have been helpful and carried out their task well, in ensuring all pilgrims are always out on time and together.”

    Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner representing the South-South on the Board of NCPC, Barr. Forgiven Amachree revealed that the pilgrimage exercise has been spiritually fulfilling and so far no abscondment has been recorded.
    Amachree said, ‘We are glad to have successfully completed the days in Israel, without recording any abscondment. I am very optimistic that none will be recorded even in Jordan.”

    He said that the Amman ,Jordan the pilgrims will be going back to Nigeria after having visited the Holy sites in Jordan. “Jordan also has spiritually intriguing sites, so get ready to be spiritually satisfied, he said.

  • 2022 Hajj: Oyo Govt Set to Airlift 779 Pilgrims on Friday

    2022 Hajj: Oyo Govt Set to Airlift 779 Pilgrims on Friday

    The Oyo State Government has revealed that Seven-hundred and seventy-nine intending pilgrims with Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing are to leave Nigeria for Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 17 for this year spiritual Hajj performance.

    This was made known by the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Sayed Malik during the distribution of Hajj Clothes, Bags and other needed materials to Intending Pilgrims at Board Office, Hajj Camp, Olodo Ibadan today.

    Prof Malik also called on the State’s 2022 Hajj intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria while performing the spiritual exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    He stated that the first batch of the Pilgrims are expected to be moved from Ibadan to Lagos State on Thursday, 16th June and take off to the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia on the following day.

    “The first batch of Oyo State Intending Pilgrims for this year’s Hajj is going to leave Ibadan on Thursday 16th June and airlifted inshaAllah early morning of the Friday, that is 17th July 2020”, he noted.

    While urging those that were unable to collect the needed materials today to make themselves available as soon as possible, the Chairman noted that the Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is expected to meet with the intending pilgrims on Wednesday 15 to bid them welfare.

    According to him, “Seven Hundred and Seventy-Nine (779) people are expected to perform this year’s Hajj from the State”.

    The Chairman called on all the intending Pilgrims to converge at Hajj Camp in Olodo on Thursday 16th June in preparation for their journey from Ibadan to Lagos.

    He therefore admonished them to abide by all regulations laid down by the Saudi Government and be good ambassadors of the State and Nigeria at large.

    “They must realise that they are going there for religious exercises, they must be careful not to go against regulations from the Saudi Arabia Government and abide by instructions given by officials of the Board because they are more knowledgeable than they are as far as Hajj is concern”, he advised.

    “They should not do things that can tarnish the good image of Oyo State in particular and Nigeria in general”, the Board’s Chairman warned.

    “They must ensure they do not carry any illicit drug along with them because the Law Enforcement Agencies will be on ground to examine them thoroughly”, he also added.

  • NCPC begins 2021 pilgrimage, Airlifts 150 Adamawa pilgrims to Rome

    NCPC begins 2021 pilgrimage, Airlifts 150 Adamawa pilgrims to Rome

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC has commenced the 2021 pilgrimage as 150 pilgrims from Adamawa State have were airlifted to Rome Rome on 23 May, from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

    This is the first batch of intending Pilgrims to be airlifted to Rome.

    The Federal commissioner representing the North East on the NCPC Board, Rev.Jidda Gelengu speaking on the airlift of pilgrims to Rome advised the Adamawa State intending pilgrims to Rome to be good ambassadors of faith and Nigeria, “represent Nigeria and the Church well” he said.

    Rev. Gelengu admonished the intending pilgrims to represent Nigeria, church well, and be law abiding as they fulfil all requirements.

    He disclosed that the intending pilgrims will be airlifted in two batches to Rome, through the Ethiopian Airline and Qatar Airways.

    Also speaking, the Director of Mobilization, Mr Chris Udegbunam who described the journey as a sacred one, stated ” intending pilgrims will experience and see some of the things the Holy Bible spoke about”, as he made reference to Paul the Apostle who lived and taught in Rome.

    He added that the intending Pilgrims would also visit the Papal were they are likely to have an audience with the Pope at the Vatican.

    Mr. Udegbunam stressed that Pilgrims Commission Act has mandated the responsibility of coordinating and organising Christian Pilgrimage activities in Nigeria to Holy sites around the world, as such no body or agency can perform Christian Pilgrimage without passing through the regulating and supervising body of NCPC.

    He also disclosed that the Executive Secretary Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam had gone ahead with some of the NCPC Team to ensure that all is in order to receive the intending pilgrims to which he described as a sign of good leadership.