VP Shettima Inaugurates NCPC Board

Shettima officially opens the NCPC board

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) Board was solemnly inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday at the State House, Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Vice President urged the board members to collaborate closely in order to forward the cause of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.

He committed to helping the Commission fulfill its legal obligation of arranging for the seamless airlift of Christian pilgrims from Nigeria to the Holy Land.

As far as he is concerned, Nigeria is what it is because we are nation of God.”

Shettima emphasized that achieving interfaith harmony is the top priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She said that Nigeria would always be a place of refuge for all people and that we will become stronger as a nation through interfaith harmony, dialogue, peace, and love.

“We will make sure that each person in Nigeria practices his or her faith with ease. This occasion comes with a promise that no citizen of Nigeria will be prioritized over others.”

He counseled them to view their assignments as a chance to benefit humanity and as a win-win scenario.

His words, “We are confident that you will not let our people down.”

The Vice President also posited that “what binds us together as a people supercedes what divides us, thus wherever Nigeria goes, that is where Africa goes.”

He explained that once there is equity, fair play and justice on the board, the entire Christendom would be better for it.

He clarified that the entire Christian world would benefit once justice, equity, and fair play were implemented.

Prior to this, the Vice President was acknowledged on behalf of the board by the newly appointed NCPC Chairman, Rt.Rev (Prof) Msg. Cletus Gotan, for his unwavering support and his overt involvement in the Commission's operations.

He hinted to the Vice President that the men and women of integrity who have been selected to serve on the board have a particular makeup.

“We appreciate the interest of your government in sponsoring Christians on a sacred journey to the holy land.”

He assured that his board will undoubtedly leave NCPC in a better state than when they arrived.

He assured the Vice President that he would receive recognition for all of the help he had provided to NCPC.

The Vice President's work and assistance since the establishment of the new NCPC board have been much appreciated, according to Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.

“Your support for our board is fantastic and fantabulous.”

He further affirmed that with the support of the Vice President and “Mr President we will rejoice.”

“We are not going to disappoint God, we are not going to disappoint you.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed members of the NCPC board on January 4, 2024.

The Chairman and Executive Secretary are included, along with six members from each of the geopolitical zones, six ex-officio members from other ministries, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Central Bank of Nigeria.