From Gyang Bere, Jos

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam said the Commission has introduced thorough screening of intending pilgrims for the 2020 exercise to ensure the security and protection of successful candidates in Israel.

Related News

 
He said the screening exercise which has commenced in most States of the federation is aimed at fishing out those who have the tendency of absconding.

Rev. Pam disclosed this on yesterday in Jos during the 2020 General Staff retreat in preparation for the 2020 Christian pilgrimage with a theme: “The total transformation” held at Crest Hotel, Jos, Plateau State.
He said the treat is aimed at discussing the implementation of the six point agenda of the Commission, among which includes fight against corruption in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy.
“The 2020 pilgrimage will start this year and end in June, 2020.  We want to make sure that we have the best screening so that we will be able to fish out those that are planning to abscond.
“We need enough time to move from one state to another for the screening so that we will not fall into the past history where people abscond. This will enable us go with reliable people that we can protect.”
Rev. Pam said there has never been open pronouncement on the ban on pilgrimage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that, “once the host country is ready and Nigeria Government is ready, we will commence the exercise.
“This is for us to go and pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria and the world at large. We are not going for business activities, we are still waiting on the host country, Israel to give us the go ahead because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Although, we are getting positive signals from them that things are getting better. We are also working to ensure that the protocols on COVID-19 are adhered to by Nigerians in Israel.