Elizabeth O.
NCPC Selects Turkey as 2024 Christian Pilgrimage Destination Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict
Reverend Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, made this announcement during the Third Annual General Staff Retreat held in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
The retreat was attended by partners from Turkey, emphasizing the growing collaboration between the NCPC and the country.
This decision comes in light of the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Hamas, which led the NCPC to suspend all pilgrimages to Israel and Jordan. Initially, the Commission had planned to send pilgrims to Amman, Jordan, for a four-day stay before proceeding to Israel. However, due to the escalating conflict, this trip had to be canceled.
Reverend Pam explained that the NCPC had sent a team to Turkey in the past two years to explore Christian holy sites in the Middle Eastern country. As a result of these visits, Turkey has now been added as a new addition to the list of pilgrimage destinations. The Commission has already visited the Christian Holy Sites in Turkey, and the retreat served as a strategic initiative for leadership transformation and increased productivity.
During the announcement, Reverend Pam expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the support provided to the Commission. He also assured that under his leadership, the welfare of the staff would remain a top priority.
With the selection of Turkey as a pilgrimage destination, the NCPC aims to offer Nigerian Christian pilgrims an alternative opportunity to explore the Christian holy sites amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Turkey provides a rich cultural and historical backdrop for religious exploration and pilgrimage.
