2,500 pilgrims to be airlifted from Jos Airport

By Kolade Adeyemi, Jos

The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam said over 2,500 Nigerians will participate in year 2020 pilgrimage to Jordan under the spiritual leadership of the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) His Eminence, Dr. Samson Ayokunle.

Pam disclosed this to reporters in Jos, the Plateau State capital after the inauguration of officials of 17 districts of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State at the Evangelical Church Winning All, (ECWA), Mangu.

He assured that the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission Abuja has put everything needed in place for the pilgrims to be airlifted from the Heipang Airport, Jos, at the flag-off on Saturday, July 24, 2021.

“Arrangement in terms of security has been concluded. Arrangement in terms of logistics has been done. Immigration, Customs and everything is ready in the airport.

“We appreciate Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong who has invested much this few days in making sure the airport is fixed.

“Medical preparation has already been concluded. The pilgrims are going to undertake test for COVID-19. Anyone that tests positive cannot go and when it’s negative, such a person can. On arrival in our host country, one will also be tested. If one tests positive, we will bring such one back. On the way back, the same thing will happen. So, all other measures that need to be taken have been taken,” Pam said.

Rev. Pam hinted that Governor Lalong will be the guest of honour, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha would be one of the high profile dignitaries that would grace the Commission’s flag-off ceremony at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, Jos on July 24, 2021.

He explained that the maiden pilgrimage to Jordan would be the first time ever that Plateau Pilgrims would be airlifted from Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang Jos to the Holy Land.

The NCPC helmsman thanked Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong for ensuring that the Airport is ready for use.

He posited that if there was no peace, the inauguration of the newly CAN officials would not have been possible. He urged religious leaders on peacebuilding.

He added that if there was no peace in Plateau, NCPC would not be able to airlift pilgrims from the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heigpang, Jos for the first time.

The inauguration of the newly CAN officials was graced by the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Tyoden and other dignitaries.