By Godiya Mathew
The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, (NCPC) Bishop Stephen Adegbite has promised to have a robust synergy with the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN).
Bishop Adegbite made the promise during his first meeting with members of the association at its corporate headquarters in Abuja on February 13, 2024.
The NCPC helmsman while giving a short exhortation from the book of Romans chapter 12 verse one to 20 recognizes God as the supreme being, who sees the secret of our hearts. According to him, “we cannot deceive God, we can only deceive man, and so I promise you, it is a new dawn and a new beginning for NCPC and you all will be part of the success story”.
He emphasized the need for synergy between NCPC and the Christian pilgrimage operators. In his words,” we are going to work together and I promise you openness, everyone will contribute its quota because I believe we all are endowed with different blessings, no one is useless and non is indispensable, as such, we should complement each other”, he added.
Bishop Adegbite commended the efforts of members of CTPAN for being part of the Commission and their resilience even in the midst of undaunting challenges and for filling the gap as implementing partners of NCPC.
He stressed that the only recognized pilgrimage destination is Israel and no pilgrimage will be complete without stepping into Israel.
He further stressed that there would be no cutting corners as every due process will be followed and approval from the federal government would be secured before embarking on pilgrimage.
He added that there was the need to evolve a Pilgrimage calendar of activities for easy planning and effective pilgrimage programme.
According to him, “our pilgrimage has to be properly regulated so that we can do everything harmoniously”.
He described pilgrimage as a passion to him and NCPC as a light to the nation.
The NCPC helmsman explained that his administration would enthrone an inclusive leadership structure with CPTAN so that all the concerns of the Association will be well taken care of.
He further disclosed that the issue of abscondment would not be taken with levity in his admistratrion, adding that he would do everything possible to discourage abscondment during Pilgrimage.
He assured them that all their concerns would be considered so that together the Commission can move forward.
Bishop Adegbite explained that Pilgrimage is not a jamboree, stating that there must be a fulfilment of the purpose for pilgrimage.
He assured them that he would be a servant leader and would continue to work with dignity and integrity.
Earlier, the President of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Rev Dr. Israel Kristilere in his remarks congratulated Bishop Adegbite for his well-deserved appointment as the 4th substantive Executive Secretary of NCPC.
The Chairman described his appointment as a timely rescue and renewal of hope in the pilgrimage history. He further affirmed that it is given to an experienced and well educated es
He admitted that the NCPC Boss has all it takes to take pilgrimage activities to greater heights considering his antecedents and cognate experience in the pilgrimage sub -sector over the years. In his words, “we have a partner in progress”.
Rev Kristilere also solicited support from NCPC to open up pilgrimage activities to Israel and Jordan so that they can continue with their pilgrimage activities.
He prayed that his tenure would bring improvement and prosperity and would be recorded as the best in the history of NCPC. He added that the Association has so many issues to be addressed concerning their operations, and they have the believe that with him in the saddle, such issues would be resolved amicably.
