The Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, has confirmed that 1,000 Christian pilgrims are to be airlifted from the Territory to Israel to perform this year’s pilgrimage.
Akinjide made this disclosure in Abuja while inaugurating a seven-man Ministerial Delegation for the FCT 2013 Christian Pilgrimage, chaired by the Senator representing the Territory in the National Assembly, Senator Philip Aduda.
Other members of the delegation are: the Chairman of the FCT Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, Rev. (Dr.) Israel Akanji; Abuja Catholic Vicar-General, Rev. (Fr.) Innocent Jooji; Special Assistant to the Minister of State for FCT on Special Duties, Mrs. Funmi Aigbomian; Mazi Emmanuel Olugbuo, Rev. Bob Alonge of Capital Assembly Abuja; and the Director of FCT Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, Dr. Lazarus Gaza, who is the Secretary of the Committee.
The minister advised the delegation to see their appointment as a divine service to God and humanity and therefore called for total commitment, perseverance and hard work.
Akinjide said: “It is pertinent to mention that about 1,000 pilgrims are expected to undertake the 2013 Christian Pilgrimage from the FCT, covering the two editions – November/December 2013 Operation and March/April 2014 Operation.
“The inauguration of the Delegation Team is therefore a reflection of the commitment of the FCT Administration to serve the residents and Nigerians in general and ensure quality service delivery. There is no doubt that you are all witnesses to the fact that FCT did not record any abscondment during the 2012 Christian Pilgrimage to the Holyland.”
She charged the committee members to ensure a hitch-free Christian Pilgrimage to the Holyland as well as give necessary attention to the security and welfare of FCT Pilgrims in Nigeria and the Holyland.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee members, Aduda assured the FCT Administration that the delegation would ensure a hitch-free operation.
He stated that the FCT screened over 1,500 intending pilgrims and eventually certified 1,000 to undertake this year’s pilgrimage.
“The welfare and security arrangements have been concluded prior to this time such as air transport, ground movement in holyland, feeding and accommodation,” Aduda said.
FCT to airlift 1,000 Christian pilgrims to Israel
