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NCPC approves Jordan as Christian pilgrimage destination

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By Mark Moses 

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The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev Yakubu Pam has disclosed that the Commission has approved the Kingdom of Jordan as one of its pilgrimage destination. 

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A statement signed by the PEO Media Relations, NCPC, Mary Gana, made available on Monday July 9, said Rev.Pam stated this when he paid courtesy visit to the Minister of Tourism and Antiques, His Excellency Mr. Nayef Alfayez at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiques, Amman, Jordan.

Rev. Pam explained that the Federal Government of Nigeria had  saddled the Commission with the responsibility of taking Christian Pilgrims to the Holy Sites Around the world. 

In his words, “the Commission in past had three pilgrimage destinations which is Israel, Rome and Greece but now Jordan has been officially added to our pilgrimage destinations, this is only possible because you opened your doors to us”.

The NCPC boss thanked the Minister for all the support and co-operation the Jordanian Government had accorded them to ensure a hitch free pilgrimage exercise especially in the area of visa procurement.

 

According to him, “ every promise you made to us in the area of Visa procurement you kept to your words and we are grateful”. 

He further thanked his host for the red carpet reception the Jordanian Government accorded the first batch of Nigeria Pilgrims who arrived Jordan on the 25th of July, 2021. 

In his words, “the reception you gave us was overwhelming, we saw another Nigeria in Jordan because we felt at home”.

The NCPC helmsman informed that the first and second batch of Pilgrims who came to Jordan had arrived Nigeria and their testimonies about their pilgrimage experiences was great.

He affirmed that a new bilateral relationship has been established between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Jordan. 

According to him, Nigeria is open to learn from Jordan in the area of information technology and agriculture because according to him, “ I believe that Nigeria has so much learn from Jordan and Jordan has alot to learn from Nigeria, too”.

In his response, the Minister of Tourism and Antiques, Mr. Nayef Alfayez thanked the Executive Secretary and his team for their visit. 

He commended the Nigeria Government and the NCPC boss for considering the Holy sites in Jordan as a viable  pilgrimage destination.

Mr. Alfayez explained that the greatest value they have cherished as a nation is the peaceful co-existence between the Christians and the Muslims. In his words “ we work together  as brother and we accept each other not minding our religious differences”.

He informed that the Jordanian Government and the Ministry of Tourism will do everything possible for NCPC to experience a hitch free and a successful pilgrimage exercise. In his words, “we are ready to clear any obstacle to make this year’s pilgrimage exercise great”.

The Minister commended the pilgrims for conducting themselves well. According to him,” we have received good reports on the pilgrims that have come to the Holy land so far”.

In his remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, His Excellency, Amb. Faruk Yabo  thanked the Minister of Tourism and Antiques for their cooperation and support to this success of this pilot scheme pilgrimage.

In his words, this has created an unprecedented momentum because any nation that is receptive to pilgrims is blessed”.

He solicited for more cooperation in the area of visas procurement to afford more Nigerians the opportunity to visit Jordan and to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The courtesy call was witnessed by Chairman House Committee on Pilgrimage Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba, NCPC Federal Commissioners, Executive Secretary of Lagos, Osun and Ondo Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, among others.

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Rugby School Nigeria unveils ambitious plans at official launch event in Lagos

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Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

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To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.

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At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:

“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”

Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.

Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:

“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.

Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”

Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.

Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”

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Senator Ipinosa scores self high, says he did a lot for constituents

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Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel

Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.

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Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.

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“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”

“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.

In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.

“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.

Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.

Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”

These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.

Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”

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We are astonished at PDP’s embarrassing display of ignorance on issues – Edo Gov’t

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Edo State Government has lashed at the factional chapter of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the appointed publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, for rushing to the press without first understanding the subject at hand.

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In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin and made available to journalists said, Nehikhare’s latest press release was another embarrassing display of ignorance, completely missing the point Governor Monday Okpebholo raised.

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The Governor was referring to the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki budgeted for The Observer Newspaper shortly before the 2024 governorship elections in Edo State, not the refurbished equipment bought from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu State.

Obaseki, a portfolio scam artist, who presided over the looting of Edo’s commonwealth, hurriedly siphoned $10 million, using The Observer Newspaper as a conduit, barely a few days to the governorship election in Edo State in late 2024.

Nehikhare’s desperate attempt to twist the conversation is not just misleading but exposes the habitual dishonesty of the PDP.

On the issue of the so-called “sophisticated machines,” Nehikhare conveniently ignores the real concern—these overused and inefficient machines now require billions of naira to function properly. Obaseki may have procured them at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up.

More troubling is Nehikhare’s confused outrage about the sacking of Observer staff. How does he expect those no longer employed to be available at the premises? His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends.

Instead of this laughable attempt at deflection, Nehikhare should explain why, in his final days, Obaseki found it necessary to allocate a staggering $10 million to a State-owned newspaper that is practically invisible on newspaper stands across the State and country—at a time when critical sectors like education and healthcare remained underfunded.

If Nehikhare wishes to debate the facts, he should do so with accuracy, not fiction. But then again, fiction seems to be the PDP’s favourite tool.

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