According to Rev. Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, tours to Biblical sites in Greece and Rome have been substituted for those to Israel and Jordan due to the continuing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In an address to media in Abuja on Wednesday, Pam disclosed this and emphasized that the NCPC’s first priority continues to be the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
He added that after a protracted wait for the Israel/Hamas conflict, which started on October 7, to be over, he had personally led a research team to evaluate and inspect lodging options and existing Biblical sites in Greece and Rome. He mentioned that the commission had suspended the December 2023 pilgrimage to Israel because of the same concerns.
“I have led NCPC teams to inspect holy sites across Greece and Rome. We have discussed extensively with government and local authorities and security. Accommodation and good hospitality are assured as the very first batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims visit these places to connect physically with New Testament locations of the gospel and do spiritual exercises, including meditation and prayers for our dear nation.
“Also, arrangements for smooth flight, good meals and local transportation have been concluded for the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage; state governments, state offices of Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, churches and individuals have been formally informed about the modalities and the N3m cost that only requires some augmentation of payment previously made for the Israel/Jordan trip,” he said.
Pam explained that the new pilgrimage sites will include places where Apostle Paul, otherwise known as Saint Paul, passionately spread the teachings of Jesus Christ, converting polytheists and idol worshippers through extensive physical journeys and remarkable contributions that remain very significant parts of the New Testament to date.