Soulful saxophonist and facilitator of masterclasses on saxophones, Tosin Odumosu (“Odusax”), is on a mission to win souls through his musical instrument with nothing short of soothing sounds that serenades the soul as well as gently captivating and relaxing the mind.

Inspiration to release the video for his sophomore album, ‘Anointin’, came at a time he needed divine intervention and is optimistic that his listeners would also find inspiration on near dud issues and find a way out.

The easy on the eyes video also serves as a reminder that everything gets better with God’s touch and also knowing that without the Anointing it can’t be done.

The response to his new music has gained more prominence.

“The reaction to it has been splendid. I have gotten more views and have had people reach out to me. All thanks to the power of social media,” Odusax noted.

What inspired the release of the song ‘Anointin’?

The song was the title of my second album, released in 2016. It was a time when I needed so much help for my assignment. The inspiration came as I requested for intervention, an anointing from God.

What inspired the title Anointin’?

I believe every man has an assignment. Some see it as a vocation, others as services, some as solutions, while some see it as a contribution. No matter the way we look at it, it is what all of the heavens look to the earth for accomplishment.

Now, to accomplish the supernatural assignment, supernatural aid, enablement, and support is needed. The anointing to function is necessary. In whatever vocation we find ourselves, anointing to be effective makes the assignment easy and ‘accomplish-able’!

How did you put the video together?

Putting the video together was the easiest of all the tasks. Everyone I called came through for me. I spoke with my friend the owner of GAP STUDIOS at Victoria Island on my intentions, and he simply told me he will be ready whenever I’m ready.

I spoke with my Keyboardist, who got my team together, called on the CEO of Energie, who shot my first video. We fixed a date for the shoot, and just like that ‘anointin’ video was done and dusted. It was a fruitful effort from a group of friends.

Does your background (spiritual and physical) play an important role in the type of work you produce?

Absolutely all the way.

How do you find inspiration?

Finding inspiration comes easy when you look properly. I find inspiration through other people’s music. I’m vast when it comes to music.

Different genres have different meanings to me. Inspiration also comes when I’m rehearsing with my instruments, reading books, watching natural inhabitant documentaries, or taking a walk. Inspiration comes from everywhere. If you do not find inspiration then what you are doing is probably not for you.

Apart from regular performances, what else does music do in your life?

Music means different things to different people. To some people, it makes them stronger, some have found respite through music by making lemonades out of lemons. For me, music has given me a huge platform. It has given me a stage, a voice and of course I have had opportunities to meet people.

What is the goal or goals of your music genre?

For my kind of music, I want to build and instill confidence in my listeners. I also want to create an aura of genuine happiness around my listeners so that they themselves feel the positive change in their state after listening to my music.

How has it been navigating the country’s professional music industry?

It was initially tough, but now, times have changed and people and technology have begun to evolve. Access to social media as an element of propagation has significantly enhanced the music industry.

Building an online presence and followership is now very much possible through the use of different applications. Now, we have a lot of talent cropping up and they can easily be seen and harnessed.

The music industry has grown bigger than it used to be through its online presence. People can easily connect with different people around the world. Branding has also played an integral role in enhancing the industry.

When I started, we paid so much money to book a studio session, pay studio engineers, pay session musicians to play and do many dubs and overdubs. Then we have to buy or rent the recording peripherals the recording companies will use to record our jobs. But today, a simple external HDD or USB stick will keep every data needed.

Today I can do everything on my laptop. Times have changed and navigating has become quite easier

Do you have a network of artists (songwriters, producers etc) that contribute to your work?

Yes, I do. It is important to have these networks to bring out a good work of art.

How do you feel about criticism of your work?

Without criticism, it is absolutely impossible to do better, so I try not to take it personally. I process the criticism knowing my person is not criticized, simply my music is. I try to observe from the criticizer’s angle to appreciate what they are thinking.

I show appreciation and move on. I know the reason I’m doing what I do is not for me. So, I require feedback to know how to do a better job next time.

Furthermore, I try to be calm, understanding that any negative reactions may dissuade the critic from attempting to help me in the future.

Are you looking at changing your style of music in the future?

If there is anything constant, it is change. I am open to getting better, making more good music, evolving as I am directed to. So, there is a big room for changing my music. What I do now concerning music was not how I started.

The saxophone is so expressive, I am able to express myself better on my saxophone. It gives me Can you give us an insight into to us the romance between you and the saxophone?

the ability to decide and turn a piece of melody into something else that is the power of the saxophone enabling me to personalize my experience of music.

It has also given me a choice of emotion, I can play the Baritone, tenor, alto and soprano depending on how and what I feel. It has given me so many opportunities to meet very influential people, I had a student who is a CEO of a conglomerate – he told me that there are days his job so stresses him out, but once he gets home, he eases off the stress by playing his saxophone, and he re-creates another world for himself, very true, the saxophone can allow another recreation.

Most prominent pastors have rendered prayers to God for the world, thanking Him for sparing the earth from great damage resulting from the COVID-19 disease and from other vices threatening the peace and existence of all.

They offered prayers of increase, restoration and blessings on the world as they joined millions of people all over the world at The Experience ’16 (Global Edition) held on December 3, 2021.

Offering prayer of thanksgiving, the Co-Chair, Bethany Church of God, Jakarta, Indonesia, Dr Younghoon Lee, reading from Isaiah 33:3, urged all believers to proclaim God’s praise and expect his spirit to flood through all the earth.

He said: “The people that I formed for myself, they may proclaim my praise. Worshipping God is the reason we exist. It is the reason we are saved. This is why we have to worship God with all our hearts. It is my sincere hope that all who truly worship God in this programme will have an experience in God’s presence indeed. All nations will be shaken by the power of the holy spirit through the worship at the Experience ’16.”

Also praying, the Senior Pastor, New Life Covenant Church, Harare, Zimbabwe, Bishop Tudor Bismarck, said: “I am telling you that people’s lives will be changed, destinies have been designed. Every nation will feel the very tangible, physical presence of God.”

On his part, the Senior Pastor, Jakarta Praise Community Church, Indonesia, Pastor Jeffrey Rachmat, urged all the participants to take the opportunity to offer direct offerings to God, stating that ‘the world would not be the same again after the experience.”

The Senior Pastor, The Tab Church, London and Borough, Dean, Board of the College of Council, London, UK, Pastor Mike White, said we can make a sound to choose worship over worship. Our God is still on the throne and still on the throne.

In another prayer session, President of Voice of Adonai Ministries International and senior pastor of Adonai Christian Centre, Dr. Kole Akinboboye said that a revival would soon break out in Nigeria that would affect the rest of the world.

According to him, it would make Nigeria come alive.

“When the civil war ended, a revival broke out in this country and many are products of that revival. Now, another cycle of fifty years is about to come and the revival is about to break out.

“The revival will lead to a transformation of the nation and the continent of Africa. I believe that is going to happen. The hour has come for the dead to hear the voice of the lord and come alive. Nigeria is coming alive,” he said.

The Past Senior Pastor, Leader of Kensington Temple, London, Apostle Colin Dye, in his part, prayed that there would be an outpouring of God’s spirit and supernatural manifestation in the world.

The Senior Pastor and Founder, The Potter’s House, Dallas, USA, Bishop TD Jakes, urged all participants to open up and expect a miracle as they worship God ‘in spirit and in truth’.

Also praying, the Chair, Empowerment 2021, Asia Cabinet and Senior Pastor, Bethany Church of God, Jakarta, Indonesia, Dr Niko Njotorahardjo, encouraged all Pentecostal churches to come together and form a unified force that would reach out to heaven and provoke a change from God for our world.

On her part, International Worship Leader, Senior Pastor, Hope Unlimited Church, Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, Pastor Darlene Zschech, Composer, honouring everyone who was participating said: “Our God doesn’t see crowd or location, but he sees every single individual. He is a God not just to be known in our heads or even in our hearts, but one who is to be experienced. I pray in this season that you encounter him in a way that will leave you changed forever.

“I pray in the mighty name of Jesus that when you leave the experience that you would be so alive and on fire with the fire and love of Jesus Christ that you would literally change the world that you live in.”

The Senior Pastor, Jesus House for all Nations, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, London, UK, Pastor Agu Irukwu, said: “We are all one family. 180 countries united for our love for Christ. We worship him on this platform and this time we are privileged to be part of The Experience ‘16 Global. We are grateful to God for how he is using Nigeria to impact the world at this time.”

For British Singer, songwriter and Broadcaster, Minister Muyiwa Olarewaju (Obe), On behalf of the 700 Club and CBN and also Premier Radio here in the UK, he commended the sacrifice of the conveners, Pastors Paul and Ifeanyi Adefarasin, noting that their sacrifices have changed the world.

“This is a bridge for African and the rest and the world. Africa is a cross-pollinating idea with America and Europe as we praise God together. COVID-19 would have silenced all of us if not God. Do as the songwriter say, ‘I will not be silent. I will always worship you.’ Whether you are in America, Dubai, Zimbabwe, Qatar… Wherever you are, let us lift our voices together. Let the heaven hear us, and let the earth reverberate with the praises of our soon-coming king,” he added.

The Bishop of Methodist Diocese of Remo, Rt. Rev Jacob Ibikunle, has admonished Nigerians to embrace tolerance and peaceful co-existence for peace to reign in the country.

He gave the admonition at a briefing to herald the 70th anniversary of the Methodist Theological Institute, Shagamu, Ogun State at the weekend.

Ibikunle, who doubles as the Chairman of Governing Council of the Seminary, cautioned it wasn’t the time to point fingers or blame political leaders alone but a time for all Nigerians to change their ways and embrace peace and live in harmony.

According to him, the insecurity issues in the country were just some of the many consequences of not embracing peace.

“Kidnapping is not a pleasant experience. I was kidnapped too some time ago, so I’m well aware of the agony and desperation of not knowing if you will see the next hour, but the fact still remains that a peaceful heart will not go out to kidnap fellow human beings for money.

“There is wanton killing and maiming of the innocents. They are traumatising the people and causing intense fright and dread among the populace.

“And this is why religious leaders must give priority to sermons promoting honesty, patriotism and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians,” he added.

Rector of the Seminary, Very Rev. Dr. Raphael Idialu, disclosed that several activities have been lined up for 70th anniversary, noting that the anniversary torch has been travelling around the country since the beginning of November.

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Idialu stated that the grand finale of the anniversary with the theme: “Methodist theological Institute, Shagamu: Expanding and consolidating,” holds on Wednesday, November 10 when the Institute’s Wall of Fame would be unveiled and 15 eminent personalities inducted.

He listed those to be inducted into the Seminary’s Wall of Fall, according to him, are The Prelate, MCN, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Kalu Uche; Wife of Former Oyo Governor, Chief {Mrs} Florence Ajumobi; Wife of Benue Deputy Governor, Justice Mary Abounu; Chief Adebutu Kessington; Founder of the Love of Christ Generation Church C&S (Worldwide), Reverend Esther Ajayi and the Most Revd. Dr. Humphrey Olumakaiye, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Anglican Diocese and several others.

Chairman Methodist Theological Institute Shagamu 70th anniversary committee, Rt. Rev [Dr.] David Moradeyo, said it was the responsibility of the church to ensure peace and unity revolves around the nation for growth and development.

Moredeyo, who is the Bishop of Ogbomoso Methodist Diocese, explained that education was the key to promoting peace and development, which the Methodist Church has not shied away from this integral part of the Methodist Movement since it started in the 18th century.

He said MTI trains God-called men and women for effective leadership and also to contribute to the transformation of society.

A faith-based development agency and professional development counselling agency (RURCON) has vowed to deepen its interventions among churches in Lagos on the eve of its 50th anniversary.

RURCON, which was founded in 1971 by Mr Peter Batcher and Da Bornaba Dusu to help African churches impact their communities, has been actively involved in projects in rural northern areas, especially in Plateau State.

The organisation with roots in the United Kingdom was registered in Nigeria as an NGO in 1995 and has been instrumental in some developmental works.

A member of the Board of Trustees, Rev Peace Goodey, told reporters at a briefing on the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the body, said RURCON was prepared to collaborate with churches in Lagos to help them impact their communities.

Goodey said: “Fifty years is a major milestone for an institution, as it is for an individual. Our celebration is not so much of festivity, but to pause and look back at what RURCON as a faith-based development Agency and Professional Development counseling Institution has done across Africa. It is also a moment to look ahead at what can still be achieved especially now in Nigeria and in partnership with Lagos Churches, theological institutions, the Lagos State government, and the press”

Goodey said the organisation would use the 50th anniversary to promote acceptance and implementation of the Church and Community Mobilisation Process tool in Lagos.

This tool, which she described as a validated faith-based tool, has been useful in community transformation globally.

She said the tool is already being used in five major Nigerian denominations and over 500 local assemblies.

Lagos churches in her words will benefit from this tool so as to strengthen RURCON’s “acknowledged impact across the world”

She noted that RURCON has worked in 36 African countries, adding also that it “has gained recognition as a development agency that assists churches, Christian organisations, and individuals including communities.”

Goodey, who is presiding over the forthcoming celebration of the organisation, which holds from Friday, October 22 to Sunday, October 24, emphasised that RURCON is not a funding agency.

RURCON, according to her, is “an enabling, equipping and facilitating organisation that believes in self-reliance, sustainable lifestyles, and livelihoods based on good Christian stewardship, focusing on the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised.”

A member of the board of directors of RURCON, Rev (Dr) Eric Ighalo, said the church remains God’s instrument of transformation.

He observed that young people and the vulnerable in society were looking for where to draw strength.

“The church has the capacity to give support and succour to those in need. The Lagos church, in particular, has the influence and power to make things happen,” he stressed

Ighalo said the problem of the church is more of its inability to harness resources for the common good and not necessarily that there are no resources to work with.

“The funds are there but the church needs to put a structure in place to harness the funds,” he said.

Rev Stephen Oyinlola, who represented the Lagos chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the event expressed the willingness of the CAN in Lagos to support RURCON.

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The Provost of ACTS, Rev Ambrose Massaquoi in his contribution at the press parley observed that the church has always been skeptical of genuine intentions of para-church bodies.

“When an organisation like RURCON comes with an idea, instead of the church to embrace it, they see the organisation as coming to invade their territory and such don’t render needed assistance,” he said.

He also expressed hope that RURCON will not receive such treatment.

Rev Olugbenle Olumide, who represented the Lagos PFN chairman, said the PFN is already looking forward to collaborating with RURCON to make an impact in the churches in Lagos.

He disclosed that the PFN recently established a new directorate known as the Directorate of Community and People Development which will help drive the collaboration.

The 50th anniversary celebration has already begun across RURCON’s field offices in Jos, Plateau State and the UK office in London.

It will culminate in a major celebration in Lagos from October 22 to Sunday, October 24 with a courtesy visit to key church leaders.

There will be a conference cum prayers at the premises of West Africa Theological Seminary, Gala exhibitions, lunch and thanksgiving services in some participating churches.

Fan favourite contestant on The Voice Nigeria and three-time talent show finalist, Naomi Mac, will be marking her 30th birthday with a 3-in-1 worship and thanksgiving concert.

The concert is scheduled for Friday 12th of November 2021 at the Harvesters Church, Lekki-Lagos at 6 pm.

Tagged the Naomi Mac experience, the three-in-one concert will also double as the official launch of her much anticipated 5-track Ep as well as her new fashion brand, Solfa.

Commenting on the upcoming event, the social media figure, Naomi Mac said the concert is a way of expressing her appreciation to God for how far she has come.

Naomi also said the concert is to launch her 5-track EP as well as her fashion brand.

“I am so excited to be turning 30 next month. It’s been a tremendous journey right from the beginning and I am so grateful to God for life, for the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and for what lies ahead.

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“As some people may know, my faith is central to everything I am and everything I do and this worship and thanksgiving concert is my way of expressing my appreciation to God for how far I have come.

“I am also equally excited to be launching my 5-track EP and my fashion brand on the same day. These are two projects that I’ve poured my heart and soul into over the past few months and I can’t wait to share them with the world. I hope that November 12 will truly be a Naomi Mac experience for my fans everywhere,” she said.

Ministering alongside Naomi Mac includes a prayerfully selected team comprising gospel singer-songwriter and vocal coach, Tobi Osho, Gospel Music Minister, and Director Efe Natham, Minister MagPsalms, Gospel Artist Dare Justified as well as anointed poet Preachers Kid.

There will also be a special guest appearance by the MAC SISTERS, an all-girl band comprising Naomi and her five sisters.

The concert will be preceded by a Red Carpet event which will start at 5pm after which the main event will follow at 6 pm.

The event will be streamed live across Naomi Mac’s social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Mixlr for fans who would like to be part of the celebration virtually.

Not fewer than 50,000 Christians are billed to attend the third night of divine experience organised by the Faith Mission Cherubim and Seraphim Church International from August 18- August 20 at The New Seraph Prayer City, Ode Remo, off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Tagged Last chance, the conference will feature word rendition, counseling and prophetic ministration.

The founder, The New Seraph, Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye, announced these at a briefing at the Faith Mission Cherubim and Seraphim Church International, Satellite Town, Lagos.

She said people were dying amid other happenings around the globe.

According to her: ‘’We need more of God because no one knows if this very moment one’s life is one’s last chance to right all wrongs, so one does not miss the race of salvation at the end.”

She said we need God than ever and we could only get the best of Him when we realised His Grace is keeping us.

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“Therefore, it is high time we started doing His will, living aright, following His paths so when our end comes, we would have explored our last chance to the benefit of our salvation and to the glory of Christ Jesus,” she said.

She asserted the New Seraph we have always said that our commission as a Body of Christ is to evangelise telling the world more about the gospel of Christ Jesus.

She said: “For the records, we were at Ogbomosho, Ikorodu, Ode Remo, Egan, Ibadan, Iju Ishaga Agege, Abeokuta, Surulere, Kwara, FESTAC and many more.

“At all these locations, we have held open-air crusades, vigils and rallies for fervent prayers, undiluted word of God for the salvation of souls – these are few of the missions which the Lord has placed in our hands.”

Sholoye stressed as a way of ensuring many people across board partake in God’s goodness through this year’s night of divine experience, they had made provisions for over 200 BRT buses across Lagos State and thousands of buses for interstate transit, all for free.

Among pastors to minister at the event are: Prophet Sam Ojo Authority, Pastor Seyi Bakare, Evang. Dare Melody, Moses Harmony, Lady Evang. Kemi Rehoboth, Ewa Kristi, and Vanessa Selika Gold.

Nigeria Prays, a non-denominational prayer group established by the former Head of State General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, will hold a public prayer rally in Lagos.

The Deputy Coordinator of the Lagos State chapter, Pastor Raphael Afolabi while announcing the rally slated for Sunday August 22, 2021, emphasised the necessity of Christians coming together to pray for the country.

Quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14, he said God is waiting for His people called by His name to pray for their land.

Rev. Toyin Kehinde the Lagos Coordinator, said the rally is being put together by the National body of the organisation only that it is hosted by Lagos. Leaders from all across the federation are expected at the rally he further mentioned.

The southwest Zonal Coordinator, Evangelist Jones Adenmolu, will be leading delegates to the rally.

Responding to questions on why the body holds public prayer rallies at a recent press conference, Afolabi said: “It is true the Bible encourages us to pray in our closet. And I can tell you that many Christians are crying to God day and night in their closet for Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Prays summit in Lagos

“But the public prayer rally is a symbolic demonstration of our call to God. There are Bible examples of how Children of God cried publicly to God. And that does not mean they were being pharisaical. It is the motive that is important when we do such prayers”.

Afolabi said those who have misgivings about calling for prayers must also realise that public prayers are prayers that are about official matters in most cases.

“We are talking about the collective burden of a nation. We are talking about inviting God to intervene in Nigeria.

“So, we need to bring such prayers to the public place so that people can be encouraged to continue to pray for Nigeria. When we call for prayers we are creating awareness among believers to consciously pray for their country,” he said.

The National Director Rev. Moses Aransiola, who is also the General Overseer of Gethsemane Ministries, would also be at the rally which will hold at the Good Shepherd Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God on 232/234 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba between 3pm and 5.30pm.

As part of activities marking its 30th anniversary, the Lagos chapter of Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has organised lectures on effective church leadership and morality for individual and societal growth.

The anniversary lecture preceded thanksgiving/200 million fund raising in aid of OAIC ultra-modern secretariat building.

Lagos OIAC Chairman, Senior Apostle Julius Opasola, at the lecture held recently at Chapel of Christ the Light, encouraged the gathering to take messages derived from the lectures to their homes and wherever they find themselves while also taking action where necessary.

Diocesan Bishop, Motailatu Church Cherubim & Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW) Halleluyah Cathedral, Superintendent Apostle Jehosaphat Akinadewo, speaking on “Effective Church Leadership in the 21st Century: A case study of OAIC” urged church leaders to align their words with actions in order to earn the respect of their followers.

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Akinadewo advised church leaders to be people driven by vision through writing, communicating, actualising and refining the vision.

He said: “It is important to state that apart from any spiritual matters, most of the negative situations in a ministry are attributable to ineffective leadership or lack of good leaders.

“Church leadership today is a continuous and lifetime exercise as there is always more to learn.”

For his part, Super Apostle Adewale Ige of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim, presenting a paper entitled: Security and Moral Decadence in the Society: Challenges and Hopes, lamented moral decadence is a setback to moral education in Nigeria.

Ige urged Nigerians leaders to “as a matter of necessity make integrity, commitment and accountability their watchwords.”

He said: “The Nigerian society has roles to play in curbing the prevalence of moral decadence and insecurity in the society.

“We as parents have to put more effort, it is never too late.

“Teachers and spiritual leaders should see themselves as agents of moral values by emphasizing the importance of those things that are either destructive or constructive to one’s life.”

By Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

The Royal Ambassadors of Lagos West Baptist Conference (RALWBC) group has celebrated its 10th anniversary with variety of programmes in commemoration of its 2021 Week.

The RA is the name of a Baptist worldwide missionary organisation for boys and young men between 10 and 35 whose ministry is focused on touching the lives of boys and impacting the eternity of men.

One of the activities for the celebration was dedication of a mission bus by the RA Marshal of Nigeria, Counsellor Ayobami Adekunle.

Adekunle charged the members to “continue to be ambassadors indeed” while appealing to the youths to eschew all forms of social vices.

The Conference’s Men’s Missionary Union (MMU) Chairman, Dn Dele Oyekanmi, represented by Mr Tope Okunlola, encouraged the RA leaders and members to unite and work together as a formidable group.

Drawing from the anniversary’s theme: “Divine lifting” Okunlola said: “You are surely destined for divine lifting.

“Let there be no division in your rank. Please cooperate with your leaders even as I charge the leaders to lead by example.”

He extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones to COVID-19 and #EndSARS unrest, praying God to visit and bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted.

Explaining the challenges encountered before the mission bus acquisition, the RALWBC Director, Counsellor Olumide Ajayi narrated how the organisation nursed the desire five years ago and eventually took the delivery “at an unprecedented cost of approximately N6.5m.”

Ajayi expressed confidence that the organisation made a right decision while revealing there are still debts to be settled.

He urged the members to follow up with contacts to redeem their pledges, tasking the associational leaders to ensure money for the bus tickets “are promptly collected and completely remitted.”

Highlights of the three-day 10th anniversary celebration include commemoration service, free medical outreach, book launch and the mission bus dedication.

The anniversary grand finale also featured appreciation of outstanding past and present leaders, including the RA Marshal of Nigeria bowing out of service soon.

35 members were also promoted to the Ambassador Extra Ordinary rank while 111 others were decorated as Ambassadors.

New officers were equally unveiled to the gathering.

By Kolade Adeyemi, Jos

The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) is set to flag off the 2020 pilgrimage exercise to the kingdom of Jordan July 24, 2021 at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, Jos, Plateau State.

Its Executive Secretary Rev. Yakubu Pam stated this on Friday during a meeting with some select strategic stakeholders in Abuja.

He affirmed it would be the first time ever the Commission would be airlifting intending pilgrims from the Yakubu Gowon Airport to the Holy Land.

Pam described Plateau State as a pilgrimage friendly state, which has in recent time surpassed every other state in the sponsorship of pilgrims to the Holy Land.

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He commended Governor Simon Lalong for his unflinching support for Christian Pilgrimage and determination to advance the cause of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.

Lalong, he said, will be Special guest of honour at the event and officially flag off the 2020 pilgrimage exercise to the Kingdom of Jordan while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha would be the distinguished guest of honour.

A statement by the commission’s spokesman, Celestine Toruka, said the 2020 NCPC pilgrimage exercise to the Kingdom of Jordan would commence July 24 and run through August, 2021.

Rev. Pam thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, for approving the 2020 pilgrimage exercise to Jordan.

He expatiated that Jordan as a pilgrimage destination is replete with important Christian Holy Sites, includlng the routes Father Abraham, the patriarchs and Israelites walked until they got to the Promise Land.

He added that pilgrims would have the opportunity of visiting the original baptismal site in River Jordan and other landmark Christian Holy Sites.

He assured that all logistics have been put in place by the Commission in concert with the Air Carriers, the Ground Handlers and the host country to ensure a itch free pilgrimage operation.

The Executive Secretary also hinted that the Commission had worked out the modalities with the NCPC Federal Medical Committee to ensure COVID-19 protocols are strictly observed and adhered to by all intending pilgrims.