The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission NCPC, Rev (Dr.) Yakubu Pam has said that spending on pilgrimage is neither the cause
The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission NCPC, Rev (Dr.) Yakubu Pam has said that spending on pilgrimage is neither the cause of Nigeria’s economic woes nor would stopping it bring a cure to our malaise. The problems facing us as a nation deserve greater attention than focusing on pilgrimage as wasteful and as the source.
In a press parley in Lagos where he gave a rundown of the activities of the commission in the last 18 months, Pam explained that pilgrimage is not just about going to the holy sites but also has a great business angle just as the NCPC, the organisation he leads has done so much to foster peace and unity in Nigeria.
NCPC is a national regulatory body for Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria, the only apex Christian pilgrimage Agency directly linked with the Presidency. Yakubu Pam’s appointment took effect on June 26 2020, but he formally assumed office at the corporate headquarters of NCPC on July 7 2020.
Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission NCPC, Rev Yakubu Pam.
PEDIGREE:
Before he was appointed the NCPC boss, in 2003, Pam, a reverend father with the Assemblies of God Church, was elected the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Plateau State Chapter, which he held till 2006.
In the same vein, in 2008, Pam was also elected the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN North Central Zone, comprising Plateau State, Nasarawa State, Benue State, Niger State, Kogi State, Kwara State and FCT. He served as the CAN chairman of North Central till 2015.
Until his appointed as the third executive secretary of the NCPC, Pam was the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and Abuja, having been elected in 2016. He is also a member of the President in Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
NCPC ON PEACE AND UNITY:
Addressing journalists in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 22, Pam called on Nigerians to endure their differences and forge robust relationships that will foster peaceful coexistence and unity in the country.
While explaining what the commission has been doing to bring peace to the nation apart from its primary duty of supervising travels to holy sites worldwide, Pam said these are trying times for the country because there are crises everywhere.
This tension happens anytime Nigeria is about to pass from one regime to another. This is why we must get honest people who are able to stand in the gap for the nation. Part of my responsibility is to go round and douse the tension.
‘We must not play with the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria; otherwise if anything happens, where will we run? Nigeria is the biggest country of black people, and this is the only place we have for now. If there is trouble here, to where shall we run? Togo, Ghana, Benin or Chad? Can these countries take half of our population? This is why we manage the rough boat better than escape it.
‘Let Christians and Muslims bear with one another. I was at the wedding of the daughter of the governor of Bauchi. He is a Muslim while I am a Christian. I met emirs and lots of people there, and we mixed freely. That is the spirit.
NCPC AND PILGRIMAGE:
Speaking on Christian pilgrimage and holy sites around the world, Pam said apart from Jerusalem and Egypt, Jordan has been added to the destination sites for pilgrims, adding that there are about 70 holy sites in Jordan alone. As at the press conference, there are Nigerians in Jordan on pilgrimage.
Pam said the commission has also been able to build on the reputation of Nigerians outside the country. “We have been able to insist that Nigerians deserve respect accorded citizens of other countries in all the pilgrimage sites. Before now, Nigerians were not given due respect. We have also made arrangements for direct flights from Nigeria to Israel. The flight to Israel will be once a week. We are working on that right now.”
ABSCONDMENTS:
He said the commission has also tackled cases of people absconding while on pilgrimage. “In some years back, there were many cases of people absconding when they go on pilgrimage. There was a time almost half of those who went on pilgrimage from a particular state bolted. But that has become history now. But the last expedition we had, nobody absconded. This is encouraging.
One of the steps taken by the commission is to limit those travelling for pilgrimage to age 40 above and ensure that only married people are allowed to travel. However, he said there are cases of people who want to make a family pilgrimage where there are young people. In that case, we allow them such privilege.”
From left to right, Mr. Chris Udegbunam (Dir. Mobilisation, NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam (Executive Secretary), and Mr. Mohammed Gamawa (Publisher, Dillaliya, Kaduna) at the press conference.
NCPS TARGETS 10,000 PILGRIMS
Pam revealed that NCPC is targeting about 10,000 pilgrims to the holy sites in Israel by February 2022, noting that only 3000 are currently being processed, hoping more would join as the days go by.
The executive secretary charged all anticipating pilgrims to be in their best behaviour as they prepare to visit the holy sites, adding that the image of Nigeria has been assaulted in the international community, and the commission was trying hard to fix it. Pam warned that if people who abscond were caught, they would be charged for the offences of illegal migration.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING PILGRIMAGE
On the propriety of the federal and state government sponsoring pilgrimage of citizens with funds that could be better utilised in other projects, a situation that has been decried severally, Pam responded that “Only those who can’t afford to go on their own enjoy government sponsorship.
To support the needy intending pilgrims, NCPC is coming up with several ideas to canvas the wealthy in our society to assist individuals who strongly desire to see the holy sites they have heard and read about since they were babies. We are also working on a scheme whereby people can save money towards pilgrimage.”
PILGRIMAGE, A WASTE OF SCARCE RESOURCES?
Responding to criticisms that pilgrimage is a waste of time and resources, Pam said this could not be true. “First of all, the dream of many Christians is to get to the holy land and see some of these historical sites they have heard and read about all their lives.
Many people don’t know what we call faith. Going on pilgrimage is therapeutic for some people. They pray for their sponsors and have this sense of fulfilment. I do not see the investment on pilgrimage as a waste of government resources.”
Pam added that the money spent on pilgrimage is not the cause of the economic woes in Nigeria. Stopping the sponsorship of pilgrims will not stop stealing in government. We however pray that subsequently, when people go there, they will change their hearts and be good to all.
COMMENTS