Pilgrimage: NCPC begins sensitisation tour, engages stakeholders in Israel

As part of preparations for the 2017 October-December main pilgrimage to Israel, Greece and Rome, commencement of screening of intending pilgrims by the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) in various states, including the FCT, is underway.

The Commission has also kicked off the mobilisation of intending pilgrims and intensified its sensitisation drive to the states and strategic stakeholders.

Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Reverend Uja Tor Uja, who led his team to Ondo, Ekiti, Owo, Lagos and Canaan Land in Ota, Ogun State, where  he met with the General Overseer of Living Faith Church, Bishop  David Oyedipo, and other  key church leaders, said the sensitisation drive would be extended to other states of the federation.

From September 25 to 29, 2017, the NCPC boss engaged with key stakeholders and pilgrimage leaders in Israel in preparation for the October-December main pilgrimage, as part of preparations for hitch-free pilgrimage operations this year.

He led a high-powered delegation to Israel and held strategic meetings with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Enoch Duchi, and the Embassy staff

A lot of issues were raised by all the parties involved which also included the Director, General Service Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Sonnie Aruya.

Critical issues as the inclusion of agricultural content in the pilgrimage programme to make it more beneficial to the people and the country were X-rayed.

The issue of increasing Nigerian meals for pilgrims was also discussed.

Currently, Nigerian pilgrims only have two meals during pilgrimage and Uja felt that was not enough and would want the Ground Handlers to consider the offer even though they claimed it would be too expensive to increase it beyond two.

On the youth pilgrimage programme of the NCPC, Uja stated that it was moved to next year so that it could make more impact.

He disclosed that in 2018, there would be a minimum of two days prayer session for pilgrims in Israel and called on churches and groups to sponsor pilgrims.

He equally hinted the ground handlers that the commission would commence the traditional rulers’ pilgrimage next year.