Jos (Nigeria): The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has advocated sustained sensitisation on Christian pilgrimage to boost participation and maximise spiritual gains from the exercise.
Mr Simon Dolly, NCPC commissioner for North-Central, made the call on Thursday in Jos during a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Dolly explained that effective sensitisation corrects the notion that pilgrimage is merely for tourism.
He urged the Board to organise periodic sensitisation exercises so that intending pilgrims can strengthen their faith.
He also emphasised that Churches and traditional leaders in Plateau should collaborate with the Board to sensitise Christians on the relevance of pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage is not tourism; it is a sacred Christian exercise. The Board should partner with Church leaders and concerned individuals to increase participation.
The significance of pilgrimage is grounded in the Bible. We are urged to visit and pray for peace in our land, he said.
The NCPC Commissioner encouraged Plateau pilgrims to consider self-sponsorship and rely less on government funding.
“Government alone cannot sponsor every individual. You should encourage individuals with capacity, and Churches, to sponsor spiritually-inclined Christians, who are not financially inclined to embark on the exercise,” Dolly added.
Responding, Rev. Wanson Yusufu, Executive Secretary of the Board, promised a stronger commitment to sensitising the public on pilgrimage.
Yusufu thanked the NCPC for consistently supporting the Board, noting that their support has enabled the Board’s successes over the years.
He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the gaps identified by the NCPC and assured his guests that everything was being put in place to ensure a successful pilgrimage this year and beyond.
