EASTER PILGRIMAGE FLAG OFF: DEPUTY SPEAKER, OTHERS COMMEND NCPC GIANT STRIDES

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim commission (NCPC) has been commended for its giant strides, especially the innovations that have been brought to bear in the handling of pilgrimage activities by the commission. The Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, R.T Hon. Emeka Ihedioha made this commendation recently at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe international Airport during the flag off ceremony of the Easter Christian pilgrimage exercise.

The Deputy Speaker commended the leadership of NCPC, especially the ebullient Executive Secretary, Mr. John Kennedy Opara whom he described as a “performer”. He commended NCPC for having done a wonderful Job. He urged the Executive Secretary to continue to strive for excellence by bringing new innovations to bear in the running of the affairs of the commission.

The Deputy speaker, who was the distinguished guest of honour at the event, congratulated the pilgrims from Benue and FCT for making it to the Holy land. RT. Hon Ihedioha advised the intending pilgrims to be of good conduct and good behaviour while in the Holy land.

During the inspection tour of the ATLASJET Aircraft, the Air carrier used by NCPC for the Easter pilgrimage exercise, RT. Hon. Ihedioha stated that he had examined the Aircraft and was satisfied by the preparations put in place by NCPC.

In his remarks at the event, the House Committee Chairman on foreign Affairs, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje also commended NCPC for its giant strides. she stated, ”we are very impressed, we have push them beyond pilgrimage, we   have over sighted them well ‘’NCPC has done marvelously well”, she stressed .

In his own remarks, the  Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental affairs, Senator Christopher Babajide Omomorare, stated that NCPC was able to put a lot of cautions in place in the Choice of the Aircraft that would fly the pilgrims.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara, stated in his welcome address at the flag off ceremony that pilgrimage to Israel is an injunction. His words; “We affirm the promise of our God that many Nations including Nigeria shall come to Jerusalem and be blessed Zach 8: 22 – 24. He added that David also stated in Psalms that blessed is the man whose heart is on pilgrimage”.

Mr. Opara further affirmed that “NCPC is that bridge between the Christians and the Government to translate these biblical words into concrete reality as far as pilgrimage is concerned”.

The NCPC boss assured that the Commission had concluded all arrangements for a smooth operation as the Ground Handlers were ready in Israel and the Air carriers are also ready to ensure a smooth airlift of the intending pilgrims.

He explained that pilgrims could not go to Rome during this exercise because of the recent development in the Vatican which would lead to the election of a new Pope. He assured that once a government is enthroned in Vatican, the commission would resume normal pilgrimage to Rome.

He averred that it is his hope that God will use the pilgrims as agents of transformation. His words, “I believe that if you go to Israel and become morally and spiritually transformed, you will in turn affect many more people and in less than no distant time, millions will be morally and spiritually transformed and our country will be a better place”.

The NCPC helmsman who intimated that the commission would be airlifting about 3, 000 pilgrims under the Easter pilgrimage exercise and would round off the operation not later than 28 March, 2013.  He further stated that the Commission initiated the biannual pilgrimage exercise last year and would commence family pilgrimage next year.

In his own remarks at the event, The Chairman of NCPC, The Most Revd. Nicholas .D. Okoh, stressed that his board had often emphasized on spirituality. He described pilgrimage to Israel as a kind of visual aid and religious education where pilgrims would come in physical contact with the Holy sites. He urged them to shun all evil tendencies and come back rejuvenated and transformed.

The FCT minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide was at hand to bid farewell to the FCT Pilgrims.

Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba, the Chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel, gave the opening prayers while Rev. Williams Okoye gave the exhortations at the colourful event.

The Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine kasujja Prayed and blessed the Aircraft. In his prayer; “God bless those who organize this pilgrimage, May this be a moment of new resurrection, God will protect all who travelled in this Aircraft”.Amen

A total of about 386 pilgrims were airlifted during the first batch of the Easter Christian pilgrimage exercise made up of Benue and FCT pilgrims


Photo By: Emmanuel James