The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has promised a robust synergy with the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN). He made this disclosure during his first meeting with the members of the Association at its corporate headquarters in Abuja.
The NCPC helmsman, while giving a short exhortation from Romans 12:1-20, recognized God as the supreme being who sees the secrets of our hearts. He stated, “We cannot deceive God; we can only deceive man.” He assured them that this marks a new dawn and a new beginning for NCPC, emphasizing that they will all be part of the success story.
Bishop Adegbite emphasized the need for synergy between NCPC and the Christian pilgrimage operators. He said, “We are going to work together, and I promise you openness. Everyone will contribute their quota because I believe we are all endowed with different blessings. No one is useless, and none is indispensable. As such, we should complement each other,” he added.
He commended the efforts of CTPAN members for being part of the Commission and for their resilience in the face of daunting challenges, highlighting their role as implementing partners of NCPC.
Bishop Adegbite stressed that Israel is the only recognized pilgrimage destination and that no pilgrimage would be complete without visiting Israel. He further emphasized that there would be no cutting corners; every due process would be followed, and approval from the federal government would be secured before embarking on any pilgrimage.
He also highlighted the need to evolve a pilgrimage calendar of activities for easy planning and effective pilgrimage programs. According to him, “Our pilgrimage has to be properly regulated so that we can do everything harmoniously.”
He described pilgrimage as a passion for him, stating that “NCPC is a light to this nation.” The NCPC helmsman explained that his administration would establish an inclusive leadership structure with CTPAN to ensure that all the concerns of the Association are well taken care of.
He further disclosed that the issue of abscondment would not be taken lightly during his administration and that he would do everything possible to discourage abscondment during pilgrimages. He assured them that all their concerns would be considered so that together, the Commission can move forward.
Bishop Adegbite explained that pilgrimage is not a jamboree, stating that there must be a fulfillment of the purpose for pilgrimage. He assured them that he would be a servant leader and would continue to work with dignity and integrity.
Earlier, the President of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere, in his remarks, congratulated Bishop Adegbite on his well-deserved appointment as the 4th substantive Executive Secretary of NCPC.
The Chairman described his appointment as a timely rescue and renewal of hope in the pilgrimage history. He further affirmed that it was given to an experienced and well-educated Executive Secretary. He admitted that the NCPC Boss has all it takes to elevate pilgrimage activities to greater heights, considering his antecedents and extensive experience in the pilgrimage sub-sector over the years. In his words, “We have a partner in progress.”
Rev. Kristilere also solicited support from NCPC to open up pilgrimage activities to Israel and Jordan so that they can continue their pilgrimage activities. He prayed that Bishop Adegbite’s tenure would bring improvement and prosperity and be recorded as the best in the history of NCPC.
He added that the Association has many issues to be addressed concerning their operations, and they believe that with Bishop Adegbite at the helm, these issues will be resolved amicably.
