Tag: Rev Yakubu Pam

  • Sabo-Gida: Rev Pam condemns abduction of female students

    Sabo-Gida: Rev Pam condemns abduction of female students

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam has strongly condemned in clear terms the recent Kidnapp of female students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State at the early hours of Friday, 22nd September, 2023 at Sabo-Gida area of Zamfara State.

    Rev. Pam who is also Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN 19 Northern states and FCT, described the action of the bandits as callous and barbaric.

    He frowned at the wicked, dastardly and cowardice act by the abductors who capitalized on the harmless and vulnerability of the female students who could not have resisted them.

    Rev Pam a global Peace Ambassador and founder of Southern Kaduna Peace Joint Committee ,called on security agencies to quickly swing into action by rescuing the abducted female students from their abductors.

    He stressed the need for the government to ensure that the hostels of the female students of the Federal University, Gasau are protected and manned by security personnel in order to forestall a repeat of such heinous crime.

    The NCPC boss further called on the parents of the abductees to be patient and to have faith that their children would be rescued alive and brought home safely.

    He noted that security is in the front burner of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and has vowed to stop at nothing until Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes close.

    Rev. Pam further called on the Chief of Defence staff, the Chief of Army staff as well as the Inspector General of Police to join forces in order to fish out the perpetrators of this act of in humanity against these innocent female students.

    “It is my conviction that in no -too -distant time the security challenges being experienced in most parts of the country, especially in the north, would soon be a thing of the past, considering the caliber of those in the helm of affairs of our security agencies, coupled with the determination of Mr President to put an end to this ugly situation that has embarrassed our people.”

    Under the Renewed Hope mantra of this administration , insecurity has no hiding place, he emphasized.

  • NCPC only legal body to clarify pilgrimage travels in Nigeria – Rev. Pam

    NCPC only legal body to clarify pilgrimage travels in Nigeria – Rev. Pam

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has said that the Commission is the only superintendent body to clarify pilgrimage travels must be clarified by NCPC.

    Rev. Pam said this in Lagos on 19th April 2023 during a strategic meeting with the executives and members of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria, CTPAN.

    He noted that the NCPC enabling Act of 2007 empowers it to superintend and coordinates all Christian pilgrimage activities to the Holy Sites around the world.

    He explained that the Commission works closely with the various state Christian pilgrims welfare Boards in the mobilization of intending Pilgrims.

    According to him, members of CPTAN have direct link with the Commission.
    He said ,” you can register with NCPC, but you are not allow taking pilgrims for pilgrimage without recourse to the Commission”. He stated further.”

    ” We want to be more organized than ever in pursuit of our pilgrimage activities , I am committed to excellent service delivery, even staff of the Commission will be sanctioned if they are found wanting.”

    The NCPC stressed that screening of intending Pilgrims is critical not because of absconders, but to also ensure and certify the medical fitness of every intending Pilgrims.

    He condemned the situation whereby some desperate intending Pilgrims go through the Association so that they could use such a platform to abscond while on pilgrimage.
    To this effect, he affirmed that the Commission’s policy on absconders is stringent and would stop at nothing to punish erring culprits.

    He urges members of CPTAN to leverage on the scheduled inaugural direct flight of Air peace Airline to Tel AVIV, Israel on 2oth April to fly their pilgrims directly to Israel through Air Peace Airline.

    Rev Pam described the bold initiative of Air peace Airline as a welcome development to advance the pilgrimage sub-sector in Nigeria.

    The NCPC boss also intimated that the Jordanian Minister of Tourism would soon visit Nigeria to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries.

    Meanwhile, the NCPC boss disclosed his recent exploration visit to Turkey where he visited some Christian holy sites.

    He said,” we are going to explore Turkey to link with our pilgrimage programmes so that we can connect it with business opportunities in the spirit of Apostle Paul.”
    President of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria, CTPAN Rev Dr. Israel Kristilere thanked the Executive Secretary for convening the meeting, and pledged the cooperation of his members in advancing the cause of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.

  • Pray for Nigeria’s unity, Rev. Pam urges pilgrims

    Pray for Nigeria’s unity, Rev. Pam urges pilgrims

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission ,Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has called on intending pilgrims from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo to pray for the unity of the country and the success of the 2023 general elections.

    Rev. Pam made this call on Sunday, 5th February, 2023 in Ikeja, Lagos during a farewell ceremony for the intending pilgrims before their take off to the Holy Land of Israel and Jordan.

    He said ,” this is our year of general election, I see your prayers being answered, but please whatever you are going to do, make sure you pray for the unity of Nigeria.”

    Rev Pam hinted that since the commencement of the 2022 December pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan, he had visited almost every geo – political zone of the country for inaugural flights of intending pilgrims including Lagos State.

    He lauded the Executive Governor of Lagos state, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for advancing the cause of christian pilgrimage in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    He described Gov. Sanwo- Olu for being friendly with the NCPC and had made Christian Pilgrimage activities a means of uniting the country.

    The Lagos State Governor was also commended for his leading role in the sponsorship of pilgrims to the Holy land in the whole of South West.

    Rev Pam further affirmed that under his leadership, Pilgrimage had been used to better the image of the country.

    He enjoined the intending pilgrims to ensure they all return back to the country after their successful Pilgrimage exercise by avoiding the temptation of abscondment.

    He said,” you are returning back , all other batches that have gone , we have not recorded any abscondment and this Sixth batch we will not record any either.”

    Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Very Reverend Olubukola Adeleke charged the intending pilgrims to be good Ambassadors of the state and Nigeria.

    He further enjoined them to pray fervently for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the support he had been giving to 0 both the Christian community as well as the muslim community in Lagos state.

    He prayed that there would be peace in the country.

    The sixth batch of NCPC 2022 December pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan was made up of Lagos , Bayelsa, Ogun and Oyo.

  • 2023 Elections: NCPC boss tasks Nigerians on national unity 

    2023 Elections: NCPC boss tasks Nigerians on national unity 

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission  Rev. Dr  Yakubu Pam, has tasked Nigerians on the unity of the country  as the nation begins it’s electioneering era.

    Rev Pam made this known while addressing the 5th batch of the December 2022 intending pilgrims comprising  Delta, Borno and Kogi State at the Departure hall of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja.

    He said “the unity of mind and purpose is of  utmost importance  at such a time as this, hence the need for the spiritual exercise to Israel and Jordan.”

    The Executive Secretary emphazied that the unity of the nation is what the Commission stands for, adding that Pilgrimage was the platform through which Nigerians can get more united.

    He revealed that the Commission had always recorded huge success in zero tolerance to abscondment, adding that the states always adhere to warnings and implications of such actions.

    He commended Nigerians for always showing signs of discipline, patriotism and law abiding in every aspect of our pilgrimage process.

    He charged them to be proud Ambassadors and  good representatives of the country and Christ as they embark on the spiritual journey.

    Also the Delta State Executive Secretary, Apostle Samuel Okoh said nation building was incomplete without the Church, hence the need for the pilgrimage exercise.

    Okoh said he was optimistic that the Pilgrims would impact upon the nations and their various families.

    Okoh commended the state governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa for approving the journey for 386 pilgrims to the Holy lands, adding that Deltans were not only going on the tour but representing the national front.

    Executive Chairman, Kogi State Christian Pilgrims Commission advised them to be of worthy character and pray fervently for the nation and enhance the unity that every Nigerian had longed for.

  • Rev. Pam enjoins Christians to unite to build body of Christ

    Rev. Pam enjoins Christians to unite to build body of Christ

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has enjoined Christians to unite as one to build the body of Christ.

    Rev. Pam made this call at a fund raising for the Secretariat of the Assemblies of God Church, Gwol, Plateau State.

    The NCPC boss stressed the need for Christians to put aside their differences in denominations to support the work of God.

    He said, “Let us collaborate and work together as one to make the church of God grow.”

    “As Christians, our ultimate goal should be working together to make each other grow and to impact on the lives of others. We need to help ourselves by holding each others hands.”

    He noted that unity and oneness is the key to Nation building and urged Christians to collectively work to make Nigeria a better place. “We can make Nigeria the envy of other countries if we work together as one”.

    Furthermore, Rev.Pam called on the congregation to support the on going building of the Assemblies of God Church, Gwol Secretariat.

    He used the occasion to pay a condolence visit to the Former Minister of Sport, Hon. Damishi Sango on the demise of his wife Mrs Esther Sango who died on 13th January, 2023.

    According to him the deceased was a virtuous woman and a mother to all; she touched lives, moulded characters and her life is worthy of emulation.

    He urged Hon. Sango to take solace knowing that she is resting in the bossom of the Lord. “Be comforted, it is the Lord who has given you this gift that has called her to himself.”

    Hon. Damishi Sango thanked the NCPC boss for the visit his testimonies about his wife.

    He said, “the testimonies I have heard about my late wife since her death, gladdens my heart because they are true”. I am comforted because I know she is resting in peace.”

  • Rev. Pam Enjoins Religious leaders to beef up Nigeria’s unity

    Rev. Pam Enjoins Religious leaders to beef up Nigeria’s unity

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has called on Religious Leaders to beef up unity in Nigeria.

    Rev. Pam said this when the newly elected executives of the FCT Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the NCPC Corporate Headquarters on 17th January 2022.

    Rev. Pam showed optimism and high hopes that the FCT CAN is moving with great speed, he congratulated the newly elected leadership fir their emergence as CAN Executives in FCT. In his words, “I believe you will do better”. He admonished them to emulate the goodwill and steps of the past leaders of the association while also urging them to use their good offices to build a formidable Nigeria where citizens can proudly call their home.

    The NCPC Chief Executive further stated; “it is a known fact that for you to have a good name you start from your own local environment, CAN has been building on the walls of our founding fathers. Religion can build or mar a Nation.”

    The Apostle of peace also called on religious leaders to shun falsehood but instead be genuine in their works and deeds, he further charged them to use their platforms for positive things as many look up to them with high hopes.

    Earlier the newly elected Chairman of the FCT CAN, Rev. Timothy Amakom, in his speech lauded the Executive Secretary for what he described as being a quintessential leader, a reconciliatory par excellence, a teacher and a consummate administrator who advocates for peace and a detribalized Nigeria.

    Rev. Amakom encouraged the NCPC Boss to remain a strong pillar and motivator who brings positive changes. He commended his zeal in peace keeping all over the country. He affirmed that the FCT CAN would not relent in giving its support to ideas that project good image of CAN by drawing men closer to God.

  • FG empowers NCPC to explore more Holy Sites around the world – Rev. Pam

    FG empowers NCPC to explore more Holy Sites around the world – Rev. Pam

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam has disclosed that the Commission had been given the powers to explore more Holy Sites around the world.

    The NCPC boss disclosed yesterday at the Victor Attah International Airport, UYo, during the airlift of intending pilgrims of Cross River state and Ondo state.

    According to him, the NCPC Act which established the Commission in 2007 empowers it to explore Holy Sites with good geographical landmarks and biblical references in the world which explains why the Commission has extended its Pilgrimage scope to Rome, Greece, Jordan and is already planning to explore Holy Sites in Turkey as soon as possible.

    This was contained in a press release signed by Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations of the NCPC made available to Daybreak today.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for giving the Commission the enabling environment to exercise its mandate using the Act.

    He further lauded efforts of the two states for the successfully airlifting pilgrims pilgrims from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Cross River state and also Ondo state for being part of the current Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.

    According to Rev.Pam, for successful operation of the pilgrimage exercise similar orientation programme being organized at the Victor Attah International Airport, UYo and Enugu for the intending pilgrims of Ebonyi State who would join the intending pilgrims of Cross River state and Ondo to make up the third batch of intending pilgrims that would leave the shores of Nigeria tonight to the Holy land of Israel and Jordan.

    The NCPC boss further applauded the Governors of the South for sponsoring Christians to the Holy land and for advancing the Kingdom.

    He explained that this spiritual journey is taking place at the most critical time when the nation is preparing for its general election, adding that this is the moment for Nigerians pray.

    He further warned intending pilgrims to shun any act of absconding during Pilgrimage, as the Commission would stop at nothing to ensure that such absconder and the guarantor is brought to book.

    This third batch of intending pilgrims are made up of Cross River, Ondo, and Ebonyi State contingent.

    The Commission commenced the December 2022 Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan on 16th December 2022 in Enugu State.

  • 2023 is Nigeria’s year for Upliftment, Divine Mercy – Rev. Pam

    2023 is Nigeria’s year for Upliftment, Divine Mercy – Rev. Pam

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    In a new year message to the Nation, the Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam has described the new year as a period for Nigeria’s upliftment and Divine Mercy.

    Rev. Pam who disclosed this in Abuja on the 1st of January 2023 admonised Nigerians to embrace the new year with excitement and expectations for God’s fulfilment of his promises to the county which must surely come to pass.

    This was contained in a press release on the New year message by the NCPC boss signed by Celestine Toruka
    Deputy Director and Head Media and Public Relations on the 1st January, 2023, made avaible to Daybreak.

    According to the statement, the NCPC boss also tasked Nigerians to engage in productive activities in order to realise the full measure of God’s blessings for the year.

    He further urged Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming general elections by casting their votes.

    He also called on INEC to ensure a credible, free and fair election at all levels.

    He equally called on church leaders and Imams to preach the message of peace to their followers and enjoin them not to be used as anti state operators particularly during the forthcoming general elections.

    Rev. Pam also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his selfless service to Nigeria, adding that the President would be remembered by all sectors and especially for his commitment to a free and fair general elections in February, this year .

    He affirmed that the year 2022 was very challenging for Nigeria and globally but the year 2023 will usher in a new vista of hope and relief.

    He said, “in the new year if we look up to God, trust in him, he will surely grant us divine directions to follow as a people and as a nation”, he said.

    He assured that Nigeria would be able to make positive in roads in the new year.

  • Christmas: Rev. Pam enjoins Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ

    Christmas: Rev. Pam enjoins Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As Christians celebrate Christmas, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has urged christians to emulate the virtues of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Rev. Pam stated this in Abuja in his global Christmas message to all christians in Nigeria and beyond.

    He emphazied the importance for christians to emulate the virtues of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who was born to fulfil the purpose and promises of God for mankind.

    Accordding to him, Christ birth is God’s gift of love to mankind which marked a new beginning of hope and salvation for all believers.

    Rev Pam further stressed that Christ is an epitome of love, unity and oneness and as such believers should identify with these virtues as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

    He called on christians to embrace love and humility which Christ represents, adding that in this season, christians should be compassionate, selfless and charitable in all their dealings with their fellow man.

    Furthermore, Rev Pam urged christians to maintain peace through out this season and beyond and to eschew bitterness noting that this Christmas celebration is very unique for Nigerians as it is coming barely few months before the 2023 general elections.

    He called on Christians to use the season to pray fervently for God’s intervention during the electioneering period and for a peaceful polls across the nation.

    He said,” our prayer as a people at this time when the nation is preparing for its general election is significant, it will go a long way to ensure smooth conduct of the 2023 general election.”

    He called on church leaders to unite against divisions and de-emphasise on denominationalism.

    The NCPC boss in his season’s message advised pilgrims already in the Holy land for the 2022 December pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan and all the intending pilgrims for subsequent batches to pray for unity in the church and for smooth transition of power on 29th May, 2023.

    The NCPC boss reaffirms the Commitment of the Commission to make pilgrimage more spiritual centered and participatory in the coming year .
    He assured that pilgrimage will continue to be used as a tool for spiritual rejuvenation and moral transformation.

    Rev Pam also congratulates all christians as they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

  • Rev. Pam bags Most Outstanding Inter- Religious Harmony Award

    Rev. Pam bags Most Outstanding Inter- Religious Harmony Award

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission , Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has bagged the ICON Award as the Most Outstanding Inter-Religiious Harmony.

    The Deputy Director/Head Media and Public Relations , Celestine Toruka in a press release said, the Aluta Media Limited presented the Award to the NCPC boss on 20th December, 2022.

    The Publisher of Aluta news , Comrade Gambo Suleiman commended the NCPC boss for his selfless service in the area of Peace , youth and inter-faith harmony over the 6 years of his service.

    According to him, the Board of Aluta news considered him worthy and deserving of the award for his contributions to the dignity of humanity regardless of faith.

    The Publisher hinted that the award was slated for the Third anniversary of Aluta news which took place on 2nd December, 2022 in Abuja , but the Board decided to come as a team to formally present the award to the Executive Secretary as a mark of honour to his personality and office.

    He said,” you breached the gap between the two religion because of the way you carry pilgrimage”.

    NCPC boss who received the Award said the Publisher of Aluta news is well connected with the grass root which explains why he was able to come with other credible youth based organizations.

    He also passed a good mark on Bloggers and social media for doing great, adding that they are the ones speaking the facts that are hidden, and the minds of the people.

    The Executive Secretary further said that Bloggers who are genuinely working for the progress of humanity and the country should be supported.

    He decried those who use their platforms to discredit the good policies of the government.

    The NCPC boss also canvassed for support for the youth, stating that Nigerians should support them so as to give them a chance to prove their worth.

    Rev Pam called on Nigerians support the everything possible to make sure that the Labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.

    He assured the Publisher of Aluta news that the Commission would work together with his organization to promote the unity of the country.