NCPC Postpones Scheduled Pilgrimage Amidst Israeli-Hamas Conflict
Nigerian-Christian-Pilgrimage-Commission-NCPC
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has announced the temporary suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel and Jordan due to the ongoing crisis in those regions. This decision was conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday morning by Abu Okpanachi, the Head of Operations of the NCPC, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Yakubu Pam.
Previously, the Commission had planned to airlift Consulars and self-sponsored intending pilgrims to Amman, Jordan, with subsequent travel to Israel. However, this itinerary has been postponed in light of the current situation.
Okpanachi assured the affected pilgrims that the Commission intends to resume the pilgrimage as soon as conditions in Israel and Jordan improve. He also expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the postponement and sought divine intervention for peace in the hearts of the pilgrims.
The statement conveyed the following message: “I am directed to inform you that our planned pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan has been postponed due to the prevailing crisis situation in Southern Israel. The Executive Secretary deeply regrets every inconvenience this will cause you and prays that the good Lord will give peace in our hearts, knowing that all things work together for good for us who love God. Kindly be assured that as soon as the situation improves, the Commission will commence the pilgrimage exercise. May the good Lord honour you greatly for your understanding.”
In a related development, Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, congratulated the fifth batch of pilgrims for the successful completion of their pilgrimage to Israel. This batch, primarily comprising the first group of Lagos contingents, arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 12:50 am local time on October 10, 2023, after embarking on the 2023 Easter pilgrimage completion exercise.
Pam expressed his delight at their safe return and commended the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct throughout the pilgrimage. He emphasized that the safety of Nigerian pilgrims remains a top priority for the Commission.
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