…Says, Commission expands pilgrimage amidst funding challenges
BY REBECCA ALUKO, ABUJA – The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev Yakubu Pam, has said that he remained accountable to Nigerians as a law abiding citizen who is always ready to serve.
Pam also said that in spite of paucity of funds in the past three years, the Commission was able to expand its pilgrimage from Israel to other holy sites at Jordan, Rome, Egypt and Greece.
This was as NCPC Executive Secretary said that contrary to speculations in some quarters, the Commission was not suspended and therefore warned rumour peddlers to desist from misinforming members of the public.
He advised interested persons to visit the NCPC for clarification on vague observations as against embarking on dissemination of fake news.
Pam, who stated these in Abuja when he received in audience, a delegation of Zawan Old Students Association (ZOSA), College of Mary Immaculate Zawan, Plateau State, being his alma mater
The NCPC Boss explained that since his assumption of office about three years ago, he only received fund just once from the Federal Government, adding that in spite of the lack of funding, the Commission was able to complete three pilgrimages and is also about to embark on the fourth pilgrimage without further funding from the Government owing to paucity of funds.
Pam encouraged individuals and bodies to apply for pilgrimage to holy sites to boost their faith, adding that the cost of pilgrimage is N1.5 million for individuals.
He further said; “The amount covers visa fee, flight tickets, feeding, accommodation and tour to holy sites for about 8 days duration.
Pam expressed appreciation to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for its commitment to the promotion of the activities of the Commission, adding that President Buhari has been supportive to the Commission for better operation and the successes recorded.
Earlier, the Principal, College of Mary Immaculate, Zawan, appealed to the NCPC Boss to help restore the dilapidated state of the school by contributing to her growth and development.
Responding to the request, Pam assured of his support to the school and promised to seek the support of relevant educational organisations and members of the alumni, such as the former Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Labaran Maku and the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Seddi Sebastian Maimako, among others to assist the school.
