As preparations for the commencement of the 2022 Christian pilgrimage to Rome and Israel has reached an advanced stage , the executive secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, has paid a courtesy visit to the consul general of Italy in Nigeria, Ugo Boni.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Celestine Toruka, who is the commission’s head of media and public relations, Pam met with Boni at the Italian Consulate in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The NCPC helmsman intimated his host that he was at the Italian Consulate to synergies with him and explain the operational framework of the commission, considering the fact that he has just assumed duty in Nigeria.
He further explained that NCPC is the only apex Christian faith based agency that has direct link with the Presidency. He expantiated that the commission was established in 2007 by an Act of parliament to coordinate and superintend the activities of christians who perform pilgrimages to the holy sites around the world.
The clergyman equally told the Italian envoy that, currently, the commission’s pilgrimage destinations include Israel, Jordan, Rome and Greece. He further hinted that the commission has plan to explore more holy sites in Turkey and other countries so that Nigerian Christians would have the opportunity to visit as many holy sites as possible and be spiritually fulfilled.
The NCPC chief executive also informed Mr Boni that the commission would soon commence its 2022 pilgrimage exercise to Rome and Israel by the middle of October, 2022. He further solicited his cooperation and assistance in facilitating speedy visa procurement for intending pilgrims and officials.
Pam assured the consul general that the commission would continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship that exist between Nigeria and Italy through robust pilgrimage exercises.
Speaking, Boni thanked the NCPC boss for his commitment and Passion for pilgrimage , especially to Rome. He promised to ensure that visa procurement for intending Nigerian pilgrims to Rome in October 2022 will be given top priority by the consulate.
Boni further urged the NCPC boss to ensure that all the relevant information of the intending pilgrims are brought to the Consulate in good time in line with their template.
The Italian diplomat also expressed great optimism for a symbiotic relationship between NCPC and the Italian consulate for a mutually beneficial relationship.
