2020 pilgrimage: NCPC boss assures safety of pilgrims in Jordan

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has assured pilgrims of adequate comfort and safety in the Kingdom of Jordan.

He made this assertion at the special flag off ceremony of the 2020 maiden pilgrimage exercise to Jordan which held at the Pilgrim’s Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on 26th July, 2021.

The NCPC boss informed that a total of 2500 Pilgrims would be performing the 2020 Pilgrimage exercise to Jordan.

Rev. Pam also appreciated his guests for honouring this special event which marks the airlift of the second batch of Christian faithful from Nigeria to Jordan to perform the 2020 pilgrimage

The NCPC helmsman commended the Jordan government for their coordination and warm reception given to the first batch of Pilgrims who arrived Jordan on 25th July, 2021. According to him, “I must say I am overwhelmed with the presidential treatment we received during the brief and colorful airport reception in Amman”. He added that the Jordanian Minister of Tourism, Nayef Al Fayez described the visit as of “paramount importance”.

The Executive Secretary expressed his gratitude to the Vice-president of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, GCON,for his unrelenting support to the Commission. He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Barr. Boss Mustapha for his constant attention to the needs of the Commission.

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Speaking during the flag off ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr.Boss Mustapha who was represented by Dr. Maurice Mbaeri said he is delighted to witness the official flag off of the maiden pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan.

He commended the Executive Secretary of NCPC Rev. Yakubu Pam for making the operation a reality within his one year in office.

Dr. Mbaeri admonished the Pilgrims to see the opportunity as an avenue for spiritual rejuvenation and not for tourists attraction.

He urged the pilgrims to pray to God to uphold Nigeria and also pray for peace to be restored in the country. In his words, “the theme for the 2020 Pilgrimage exercise to Jordan is ‘Pilgrimage for Peace and Development’ is very timely”.

He charged them to be good ambassadors of the country. In his words. “I expect all Pilgrims to come back, I do not expect any record of abscondment”.

He added that COVID-19 is real and he admonished the Pilgrims to adhere to all the COVID-19 protocols here and in the Kingdom of Jordan in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The second flight of Pilgrims airlifted to the Kingdom of Jordan for the 2020 pilgrimage exercise constitutes, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue and Akwaibom states.