Commission (NCPC), Mr John Kenndy-Okpara, said
this when he visited Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of
Nasarawa State in Lafia on Wednesday.
Kennedy-Okpara said this was the first time a
sitting Nigeria President would be participating in a
Christian pilgrimage to the Holy land.
He said the president had requested that pilgrims
from Nasarawa State should accompany him
considering the proximity of the state to the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The executive secretary said allocation had been
given for the state government to sponsor 350
pilgrims from Nasarawa to accompany the
president on the journey.
Kennedy-Okpara said the Federal Government had
subsidised the exchange rates per dollar to N146
for all intending pilgrims (both Christians and
Muslims) for this year's pilgrimage.
He explained that intending Christian Pilgrims to
Israel would enjoy 12 per cent reduction, while
those going to Israel, Rome and Greece would
have 20 per cent reduction.
According to him, the reduction is to enable
pilgrims, who are spiritually-rich but materially-
poor, to be able to embark on the trip.
"Pilgrimage is a tool for moral and spiritual
transformation, and not a jamboree as erroneously
perceived,'' he said.
He, therefore, called on churches, corporate
organisations and wealthy individuals to sponsor
people on pilgrimages with the view to transform
the society at the long run.
The executive secretary, who was in the state to
sensitise Christians on the 2013 Christian
pilgrimage, appealed to the state government to
support to the state Christian pilgrims welfare
board.
He requested for a permanent office
accommodation and vehicle for the board.
Responding, Al-Makura commended past Christian
pilgrims for making Nasarawa State proud through
their exemplary conduct.
He maintained that his administration accord
premium to religious harmony and would continue
to promote such virtue.
Al-Makura said his government was poised to carry
everyone along, thus the appointment of 10
Christians and seven Muslim commissioners in his
cabinet.
He said apart from increasing the number of
government sponsored-Christian pilgrims, the state
government would also support them with robust
packages to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
The governor also granted the request of the
executive secretary by approving that a brand new
vehicle be given to the state Christian Welfare
Board.
Al-Makura also promised that land would be
allocated for the building of the permanent site
after Sallah.
No comments:
Post a Comment