Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), the umbrella body for all Private Christian Pilgrimage Operators in Nigeria, has re-elected, Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere as her President for another term of three years in line with her constitution.
The election of new officers marked the high point of activities during the annual General Meeting which held on Tuesday, 6th of February, 2024 in Lagos.
The Annual General Meeting, which was both physical & virtual, afforded all members of the Association spread across the West, East, North and South of Nigeria the opportunity to fully participate at the meeting. Other members of the Executive Committee elected alongside Rev. Dr. Kristilere, the CEO of Oasis of Faith Intercontinental Ltd are Dns Mopelola Oluokun as Vice President, Pastor Olajumoke Adeniyi as General Secretary, Mrs Bola Mapaderun as Deputy General Secretary, Pastor Taiwo Akinsola as Publicity Secretary and Pastor Favour Lajuwomi as Financial Secretary.
Others are Pastor Taiwo Gabriel, Treasurer, Rev. Okey Ikeri, Chairman Disciplinary Committee, Mrs Adetutu Sulaiman, Auditor, Barrister Simon Onu, Legal Adviser, Mrs Adeola Adekola, Ex Officio 1 and Rev. Dr. Julius Akinrinade Ex Officio 2. In his acceptance speech, Rev. Dr. Kristilere on behalf of the Executives, appreciated all members of the Association and promised to work harder towards greater improvement in the processes of private Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.
Responding to a journalist who asked for his opinion on the recent appointment of Bishop Dr. S. T.V Adegbite as the New Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, (NCPC) by President Bola Tinubu, Rev.Dr. Kristilere, who is also the Lead Pastor of Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos stated that the President could not have appointed a better person than Dr Adegbite.
According to his words, “Dr Adegbite is a round peg in a round hole. The man knows the job, he is prepared for the job and very capable for the job.” He stated that Dr Adegbite, who had been his friend of many years since their doctoral program at the University of Ibadan, will definitely take Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria to enviable heights.
Speaking on the relationship between his association and the Commission, Rev. Dr. Kristilere pointed out that both he and all members of CTPAN are already looking forward to a cordial working relationship and meaningful partnership with the newly appointed Executive Secretary and members of the Board of NCPC recently appointed by President Tinubu, including other Christian Pilgrimage stakeholders in Nigeria.
