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Gov Rochas To Flag-Off 2016 Pilgrimage In Yola Thursday
The Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha will on Thursday, flag-off the 2016 Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land at the Yola International Airport, Jimeta, Yola.
Governor of Adamawa State, Senator Mohammed Bindow will be the Special Guest of Honour, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal will serve as the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the event, while former Governor of Adamawa state, Dr. Wilberforce Juta, will serve as chairman of the occasion.
According to a statement obtained by Nationalwire from the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), all the Governors from the North East and North Central states of Nigeria are expected to grace the occasion as Special Guests.
The statement further stated that during the flag off ceremony, the Adamawa State Governor will be honoured with the award of distinction for outstanding pilgrimage partnership, sponsorship, and support by the leadership of the NCPC. “This is for his great support for Christian pilgrimage, partnership with the Church, and support for Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission.
The flag-off ceremony is expected to feature other activities such as prayers, worship, exhortations and speeches from dignitaries as well as distribution of Nigeria-branded souvenirs. It would be rounded up by an inspection of the aircraft and its provisions, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The pilgrimage take-off points for this year include the Yola International Airport, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The NCPC noted that the choice of Adamawa for the flag off of this year’s pilgrimage is to have a shift from the traditional flag off location of the main pilgrimage in Abuja, and also that Adamawa state has demonstrated pilgrimage commitment by having the highest number of intending Christian pilgrims this year.
The commission further enjoined intending Pilgrims to refrain from patronizing unauthorized persons and organizations who try to use the pilgrimage exercise to extort money from Nigerians desirous of performing Christian pilgrimage, adding that such persons should be reported to the police.
