Rev. Tor Uja, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, says that the Commission will commence the 2018 Christian pilgrimage exercise to Israel on May 7, 2018.
Uja made the disclosure during a strategic meeting held at NCPC’s headquarters with States Pilgrimage Leaders, comprising Chairmen and Secretaries of States Pilgrims Welfare Boards, including FCT, on Monday in Abuja.
He explained that the delay for the commencement was due to some operational reasons.
He also noted that the Commission would organise four prayer convocations in Israel during the pilgrimage, which would entail a day prayer and fasting for all the pilgrims.
The cleric said that the Commission would synergize with relevant security agencies to checkmate the spate of absconders during pilgrimage in the Holy land.
He urged the leaders to collaborate with the commission to fight absconders, which has become an embarrassment to the country.
Uja said: “No Nigerian Pilgrim needs to abscond in Israel.
“All Pilgrims that emerge from Nigeria should reflect our values as a people.
“We have come to a point where we have something to show the world.’’
He also stressed that the commission would redefine its screening and rescreening template to make it difficult for intending pilgrims to beat.
Rev. Uja called on all those in leadership positions to believe in Nigeria by confessing good and positively for the country.
He said the strategic meeting was aimed at reviewing the activities of Christian pilgrimage, synergize more and plan for tomorrow.
He also revealed that they met to reform pilgrimage and to redefine pilgrimage options.
The NCPC boss reminded Nigerians that pilgrimage cannot continue to be a mere visit to Holy sites in Israel but a deepening of the spiritual content of Christian pilgrimage.
Uja thanked all the Governors who have been sponsoring and supporting Christian pilgrimage over the years and the Federal Government for investing in pilgrimage.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the next meeting of pilgrimage leaders has been scheduled from June 26 to June 29, at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital.