The executive secretary, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Yakubu Pam, has urged Christian pilgrims in the holy land to pray for the country’s peace.

“Nigeria is presently in a turmoil of serious security breaches, and thus it calls for concern and prayers because, without peace, we cannot have development in the society,” Mr Pam said.

Mr Pam, represented by the NCPC Director of Planning, Research and Programme Development, Sonny Ebiyaibo, spoke in Nazareth, Israel, during the 2021 ongoing main pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.

This is contained in a statement by Godiya Matthew, NCPC’s information officer 1, from Nazareth, Israel.

The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is: “Pilgrimage, Peace for National Development”.

Mr Pam said the theme was borne out of the realisation that Nigeria faced many challenges.

The NCPC helmsman added that the spiritual component of this year’s pilgrimage has been excellent.

“This year’s pilgrimage is special in one particular way; this is the first time the commission is organising a pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan at the same time.

“Recall that last year, pilgrimage to Jordan was conducted for the first time, but today we have a double destination,” he said.

The executive secretary of the Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Nestor Ezeme, thanked Mr Pam for a well-organised exercise.

Mr Ezeme advised the pilgrims to use this opportunity to have a sober moment of reflection and prayers for peace in Nigeria as they visit various sites in the holy land.

(NAN)