193 Christian pilgrims depart Yola for Jordan

No fewer than 193 Christian pilgrims from Taraba and Gombe states have departed Yola International Airport in Adamawa State, for the 2022 pilgrimage in Jordan.  

Executive Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (CPWB), Rev. Yakubu Pam, made this known while addressing the intending pilgrims at the point of departure in Yola on Monday. 

He said Taraba government sponsored 164 pilgrims, while three of the 29 from Gombe were self-sponsored, adding that the pilgrims would also visit Jerusalem for the ritual.

Urging the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in the holy land, he called on them to endure the rigours of the religious engagements, as they would be visiting numerous historical sites.

Pam commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for its regular support to the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), stressing that the commission would continue to support government’s policies and programmes.

He, however, called on the pilgrims to pray for continued peace and stability of the country, considering its current security challenges, especially as the 2023 general elections approach.

“Any pilgrim, who decides to abscond and not return to Nigeria, would definitely be apprehended and sanctioned appropriately,” he added.