NCPC ALLOCATES 500 SEATS TO ANAMBRA STATE

   from  Left  to Right Exe. Sec. NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Opara in a warm Handshake with the Governor of Anambra State, Gov. Peter Obi after presenting the 2013 Pilgrimage package to the Governor during a Sensitization visit of NCPC, to Anambra State

The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission has allocated 500 seats to Anambra State Government for this year’s Pilgrimage exercise that will be flagged-off by Mr. President on 28^th October, 2013.

This disclosure was made by Mr. John Kennedy Opara, the Executive Secretary of the Commission when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Peter Obi in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

Mr Opara said he was in Awka in continuation of his visits to all the states of the federation, sensitizing on the readiness of the Commission for this year’s exercise and also to present the package as approved by Mr. President to the Governor and also to invite the Governor to accompany Mr. President on this year’s pilgrimage exercise.

Mr. Opara said the Federal Government has approved the Exchange rate for this year pilgrimage exercise for both Christians and Muslims at the rate of one dollar to ₦146. This he said has brought a reduction on the cost of pilgrimage from about 12% to 20%.

The NCPC Boss also used the opportunity of the visit to inform Governor Obi that NCPC now operates three pilgrimage exercises in a calendar year.

 The latest being the family pilgrimage which was introduced this year for the purpose of creating opportunity for families to stay and pray together.

Earlier in his presentation, Mr. Opara commended the Governor for his humility, simplicity and achievements mostly in the area of provision of social amenities which include roads, rural electrification, water, health and education. He said these are programmes that have direct impact on the lives of common men, women and children.

Responding, Governor Peter Obi thanked Mr. Opara and members of his delegation for the visit and commendation. He said Mr. Opara has made Christian Pilgrimage very attractive to an average Christian in Nigeria. He said “Nigerians are proud of you and your achievements, People are watching, Please keep it up.”

The Governor also pledge his support for the programmes and activities of NCPC, he promised to mobilize the Governors from the South East Zone to ensure that more Christians especially those that are spiritually rich but materially poor are given the opportunity to participate in this year’s pilgrimage exercise.