The executive secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam, has declared that despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and other national and global challenges, the Commission was poised to embark on pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan this month.
He made the declaration Wednesday at the NCPC corporate headquarters in Abuja while speaking on the occasion of his one year anniversary as the Commission’s helmsman.
He said, “I recall that a year ago, precisely on July 7, 2020, I assumed office as the third executive secretary of this Commission, following my appointment in June of the same year by Mr. President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“On assumption of office, I met anxiously waiting staffers who were already in high spirits. Though, and sadly enough, the mood of the country at that time was pitiful as the country was in a hole following the worldwide lockdown as a result of the coronavirus 19 pandemic.
“What I needed first and foremost was to interface with the majority of the workforce who were on compulsory sit-at-home due to the directive of the federal government to control the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic which was at its feverish peak!
“The Commission, in the previous year, had not carried out any pilgrimage, but from the briefings I received, I understood the challenges that led to that and I immediately called for a management meeting where far-reaching decisions were taken.”
Continuing, he said, “Today, I’m glad to say that after several efforts put in, we are embarking on the 2020 pilgrimage to the Holy Kingdom of Jordan this month of July all things being equal. The decision became crucial after reviewing the prevailing predicament.”
He noted that Jordan played an important role in biblical history, being the centre where Jesus Christ began his earthly ministry after the Jordanian baptism.
“This is by far a novel initiative which the Commission through the Act of Parliament that established it is introducing under my stewardship. The mandate is to visit all known Christian Holy Sites where Christ worked during His short ministry.”
The NCPC boss commended the media for giving the support he needed to have achieved a lot in a short time.
“To my friends, in the media, I must acknowledge the various roles you have played and are still playing in helping me to deliver on my mandate. I have found in you the pillar of support relating to my activities in the last one year to the outside world. Indeed, you are very special to my heart.”
Speaking earlier, the Commission’s head of media and public relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka, noted that the NCPC had experienced “a new impetus, motivation, dignity and good governance” occasioned by Rev. Pam’s “visionary, purposeful and uncommon leadership acumen.”
