- NCPC seek stronger ties with Israel
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has disclosed that plans are in advanced stage for top Christians in President Bola Tinubu’ government, led by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to embark on Easter pilgrimage to Israel and, perhaps, other Holy Sites.
NCPC Executive Secretary Rev Stephen Adegbite disclosed the plans during his first courtesy visit to the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, at the Israeli Embassy, in Abuja.
Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director, Media and public Relations, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that the leadership of the Commission also solicited a stronger working relationship with Israel particularly as it concerns pilgrimage exercise.
Rev Adegbite stated that Israel remains the major pilgrimage destination for all Nigerian Christians while any other destination is secondary.
“Israel is our pride in Africa and Nigeria in particular. We pray for the peace of Israel everyday and we will continue to pray for peace in Israel so that we can continue our pilgrimage exercise in the land of the Bible,” he said.
He said that Nigerians visit Israel so well not just because of spiritual impact alone, but also for agricultural purposes and exposure to the advanced technology in Israel.
He, thus, solicited the Ambassador’s cooperation and assistance in facilitating the issuance of visas to intending pilgrims for smooth running of pilgrimage operations, appreciating the country for the recent decision to open its borders to international travels.
In his remarks, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Michael Freeman said: ”I think you have done well visiting Israel first, I bring you good news, Israel is open and ready to take the Nigerian groups”.
He assured the NCPC boss that the Embassy would cooperate with the new leadership of NCPC in the area of visa procurement by making the process seamless.
The Ambassador affirmed that the Embassy has strong confidence in the mechanism put in place by NCPC for the selection of intending pilgrims to Israel.