The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam has charged pilgrims to be agents of transformation and change in their respective spheres of influence as they return to Nigeria.
He made this assertion on April 4, 2023, in Nazareth, Israel during the Jerusalem Pilgrims ceremony and award of certificates for the pilgrims of Ekiti, Osun, self-sponsored and consular.
A statement by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations of the commission, Mr. Celestine Toruka reveals
The pilgrims
Agents of change
The NCPC boss according to the statement was represented at the event by a Director in the Commission, Mr. Abu Okpanachi. He urged the pilgrims to see themselves as agents of change so that they could replicate the transformation they garnered on pilgrimage for positive impacts in their various spheres of influence.
While noting that their coming for pilgrimage was providential, he said, “Having followed the path of Jesus Christ, your lives will never remain the same again”.
He stated that the JP certificate qualifies them to bear the title of Jerusalem Pilgrims and so it is a moral burden on them to live up to expectations.
The NCPC boss further urged them to continue to pray for Nigeria, especially for a smooth transition of power on May 29 , 2023.
Ekiti Deputy governor
Earlier in her welcome address, the General Manager, of Tabar Tours, Miss Shadia Srour described the conduct of Ekiti and Osun pilgrims in the holy land as excellent.
She further commended Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti state, Chief Mrs. Awonisade Afuye whom herself was one of the pilgrims for her simplicity and humility.
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She equally applauded the Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam for his visionary and proactive leadership.
Srour particularly commended him for the introduction of the Jordan pilgrimage in 2021 at the peak of the COVID-19 global pandemic when the whole world was at a standstill because of restrictions on international travels.
This batch of pilgrims is part of the 10th and last batch of the NCPC December 2022 Main pilgrimage exercise which commenced on 16th December 2022.
