From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has inaugurated the Board of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) that was constituted by President Bola Tinubu on January 4.
The composition comprises the chairman and the executive secretary, six members representing each geo-political zone, six ex-officio members representing some relevant ministries, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
NCPC spokesman, Celestine Toruka, in a statement, yesterday, said the board was inaugurated on Tuesday at State House, Abuja.
Shettima enjoined the members of the board to work closely and cooperatively as a team to advance the cause of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.
He promised to support the commission to realise its statutory mandate of achieving smooth airlift of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, and also affirmed that the place of faith is very critical in fostering the unity of Nigeria.
He advised the new board members to see their appointments as an opportunity to serve humanity and promote interfaith harmony through dialogue, peace and love.
“What binds us as a people supersedes what could divides us, thus wherever Nigeria goes, that is where Africa goes. Once there is equity, fair play and justice in the board, the entire Christendom would be better for it,” he said.
Chairman of Board, Cletus Gotan, thanked the vice president for his support and for the interest he has shown in the affairs of the commission.
He said the composition of the board is such that men and women of integrity had been carefully chosen to serve. “We appreciate the interest of the Federal Government in sponsoring Christians in sacred journey to the Holy Land.”
He pledged that the board will leave NCPC better than it met it, and also assuring the vice president that all the assistance he had given to NCPC will not go unappreciated.
NCPC Executive Secretary, Stephen Adegbite, appreciated the effort and support of the vice president since the inception of the new board.
He said with the support of the president and vice president, the board will give Nigerians a memorable pilgrimage experience.