The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev Yakubu Pam, announced on Wednesday that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a shift in pilgrimage plans. Due to concerns for the security and welfare of pilgrims, the commission has opted to change the pilgrimage destination from Israel and Jordan to sites in Greece and Rome.
Rev Pam addressed journalists in Abuja, explaining that the decision was prompted by the continued Israel/Hamas conflict, which led to the suspension of the December 2023 pilgrimage to Israel. To assess the feasibility of the new destinations, Rev Pam personally led an NCPC research team to inspect accommodation facilities and existing Biblical sites in Greece and Rome.
He assured that the security, welfare, and overall experience of pilgrims remained the top priorities for the NCPC. The new pilgrimage sites will include locations associated with Apostle Paul, where he spread the teachings of Jesus Christ, making significant contributions to the New Testament.
The cost for the new pilgrimage is set at N3 million, covering return flight tickets, hotel accommodation, three-course meals per day, and tours of holy sites in executive luxury buses for six nights and seven days. This cost does not include pilgrims’ travel allowances. State governments, state offices of Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, churches, and individuals have been informed about the modalities, and payments are expected to be completed before the end of January 2024.
In a related development, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of nine members to serve on the board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission. Colonel Aloche Adole was appointed as Chairman, with Dr. Stephen Adegbite as Secretary. Other members include Mrs. Omowumi Ogunlola, Clement Nweke, Prince Wosu, Prof. Joseph Mamman, Dr. Toma Ragnjiya, Dr. Simon Dolly, and Raphael Nwankwo representing the Christian Association of Nigeria.
President Tinubu charged the new appointees to consider their appointment as an opportunity to serve the nation and urged them to wholly commit themselves to this important purpose.