President Jonathan reduces pilgrimage cost to Israel
Written by Wale Ojo-Lanre Wednesday, 24 July 2013 00:00 font
President Goodluck Jonathan and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrimage Commission (NCPC) , John Kenedy OparaIN order to ensure that more Christians in Nigeria are able to fulfill their Biblical injunction and dream of visiting the Holy land in their life time, President Goodluck Jonathan, has reduced the total cost of the package to Israel for the year 2013 Holy Pilgrimage exercise.Mr. Kennedy Opara, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrimage Commission (NCPC), who made this revelation while addressing the media in his office in Abuja, said “I am glad to announce to you that the President Goodluck Jonathan is living up to his promise of ensuring that the cost of pilgrimage to Israel is brought down significantly, to enable more Christians to participate in the exercise.”
“We all remember that President Jonathan, last year, tasked the commission to look into ways of making the cost of pilgrimage to Israel affordable and within the reach of the populace, so as to encourage many Christians to benefit from the spiritual and moral blessing of the exercise.
“With the presidential directive, we set all hands on desk and looked into the operation processes in a clinical approach, which has led to a significant reduction in all the categories of packages without any reduction in quality and bench mark of operation.”
Opara revealed,“Intending pilgrims to Israel in this year 2013 will pay N358,000, instead of N406,150 for an 11-day, all-inclusive pilgrimage exercise to Israel, including 10 nights in a three-star hotel.This is 12 per cent reduction from last year’s cost.’’
And for Christians going from Nigeria - Israel – Rome or Greece, Opara revealed that last year, the package was N529,440. But they will now pay N421,619. This shows 20 per cent reduction compared to last year’s cost.
And for those going on special package, particularly the physically challenge and elderly people who need extra care and affection, “we have been able to reduce this from N400,000 to N365,300, a reduction of 9 per cent from last year’s cost.”
Mr. Opara said that “We believe that with this, a typical middle – level Nigerian will be able to fund himself without looking upon government for sponsorship to the Holy Land.”
He emphasised that pilgrimage to Israel is not a jamboree or a pleasurable tour of sites and shopping plazas, but an exercise in faith renewal, spiritual rejuvenation, fulfilling of Biblical dream and rejuvenation of moral rectitude, hence it should be devoid of fanfare, excessive glamour and shopping.
“Thus, we have pegged the Basic Travel Allowance, BTA, for those going to Rome or Greece to $1000 and Israel, $750. Pilgrimage to Israel is a period of self-assessment and reconciliation with God, which necessitates self-denial and abstinence from things worldly.”
Mr. Opera pointed out that “This is just the first step at bringing down the cost, as we are going to ensure that the cost comes down again next year. We are going to do all things possible to see that the vision and determination of President Jonathan in making pilgrimage to Israel affordable and less financial demanding to the all intending and desired Christians, will come to pass.“
Mr. Opara disclosed that ‘We must also publicly acknowledge the personal strident effort of President Jonathan in supporting and giving approval to all the necessary steps taken to achieve the reduction of the cost. This is because all that we have achieved so far in this area has the personal touch and contribution of Mr. President “
Opara revealed that this year’s exercise would commence in the month of October and closed in December.
“ We also want to inform that the president has approved that the first set of pilgrims should leave on 28 October which will signify the commencement of this year’s operation and close on 28 December.”
However, Mr. Opara disclosed that “The Family Pilgrimage which will commence in August is not affected by this directive, as we are partnering with men of God and churches to make this a reality. Bishop Oyedepo will be leading the first family to Israel this year by the first week of August. Other men of God like Bishop Wale Oke and the Primate of the Anglican Communion will also lead other Christian families to the pilgrimage, so that this family re- union in Holy Land will lubricate the engine of the love and fear of God and spread unity in accordance with the injunction of God for homes. This will also rub off on the unity, peace and stability of the nation.”
He emphasised: “I want all to know that the commission cannot and will never provide 5 – Star hotel for pilgrims. We are not offering services in the likes of Burj Al – Arab but a top grade 3 – star hotels of excellent services.
We have a benchmark, which we cannot negotiate or compromise.We hold it a duty to ensure and make available, desirable facilities and ensure excellent welfare of all pilgrims in Nigeria. And for this year, we are not going to let Nigerians down.
“It is our charter, our responsibility and our duty to see that every pilgrim realises his mission to the Holy Land in full. This, we promise to do, and we will do
