President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the concessionary exchange rate of $1 to #150 for this years Pilgrimage exercise

In preparation for the 2014 Christian Pilgrimage Exercise, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has embarked on vigorous sensitization drive to the States. The Executive Secretary of NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Opara and his Federal Commissioners were at Lafia, Nasarawa State Capital on 1st July, 2014 where he solicited the support of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura in the sponsorship of Christians to the holy Land this year.

The NCPC Boss thanked the Governor immensely for sponsoring 238 Nasarawa Pilgrims to the Holy Land last year. He equally thanked him for approving the participation of his deputy in last year’s Presidential Pilgrimage.

He commended the Governor for the visible transformation recorded in the state, especially in the areas of Agriculture and Education, stressing that he was leaving an enduring legacy for the people of the state.

Mr. Opara told his host that the Commission was using pilgrimage as tool for moral and spiritual transformation. He posited that if people were transformed, they would help the government to move forward. To this end, he stated “we want you to partner with us and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to encourage and sponsor Christians to the Holy Land. He urged the governor to help sponsor the less privileged Christians and Moslems to the Holy Land, because according to him, “pilgrimage should be for those who are spiritually rich, but materially poor”

Mr. Opara also told the Governor that Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had approved a concessionary exchange rate of $1 dollar to N150 naira and a reduction of 9% in the Pilgrimage cost this year.

The NCPC boss further intimated the Governor that he had allocated 500 seats for Nasarawa state in this year’s pilgrimage exercise.

In his response, governor Al-Makura commended Mr. Opara for changing the face of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria. He congratulated him in the way and manner he had piloted the affairs of the Commission to the envy of other organizations.

The No 1 Citizen of Nasarawa State further described the NCPC boss as a” very passionate person who believes strongly in peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians”. He affirmed that the good perception that people have about the NCPC boss would go a long way in creating good will and love amongs Nigerians.

Governor Al-Makura assured the NCPC boss that the State Government would substantially sponsor more Christians on Holy Pilgrimage this year.

The delegation also had Stakeholders meeting with CAN and other relevant bodies.