NAN-H-110
Pilgrims
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Oct. 25, 2016 (NAN) Rev Tor Ujah, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christians Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has urged the two air carriers approved for the November Pilgrimage to treat Nigerian pilgrims with dignity and promote the country’s identity.
Ujah made the call at the signing of Air lift agreement for the pilgrimage operation with Atlasjet Nigeria Limited and Izy Nigeria Limited in Abuja on Tuesday.
He also charged the airlines to ensure that whatever they use during the operation carried Nigerian colours and symbol as a sign of respect for the country.
The NCPC boss stated that all the process that led to the signing of the agreement was carried out in line with the relevant laws of the country, adding that the processes commenced in March.
He said the next process would be the inspection of the aircraft by the relevant authorities in conjunction with the commission to ensure that they were worthy to airlift the Nigerian pilgrims.
Utah said several bids were received from different airlines and after the process, the two airlines were selected and the president had accepted the selection.
“The next process is the inspection by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure that the aircraft are worthy to fly.
“It is upon the final approval by the relevant authorities that the process will be complete,’’ he said.
Ujah called on Nigerian pilgrims and stakeholders to ensure that holy pilgrimage provided the returned benefit to the country in tackling the many challenges that were confronting the nation.
He urged Nigerian Christians and the Church to adhere to the teachings of Christ, adding that Nigeria could be better than Israel if the word of God is obeyed.
Ujah also advised Nigerian youths to have faith in the country and stop believing that they could be better off in other countries.
According to him, Nigeria is the greatest land of opportunities in the world.
The Chairman of NCPC, Rev Nicholas Okoh, advised the air carriers to be faithful in executing the terms of the contract signed in respect of the pilgrimage operation to avoid legal issues.
Okoh, who is Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, also advised the airlines to respect the rights and dignity of the pilgrims irrespective of their level of exposure.
He also urged them to respect the integrity of the country, saying the government uses pilgrimage to propagate its foreign policy.
Similarly, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, Chairperson, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, told the airlines that the country was expecting nothing less than the best service delivery.
Sunmonu also advised the airline to avoid any negative practices that could make the agreement to shortlive, assuring that the country would soon come out of recession.
According to her, Nigerian people are people of faith and that is why we are confident that the country will soon overcome its present challenges.
Responding, the Representatives of the airlines promised to deliver effective and excellent service to the pilgrims during the operation. (NAN)
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Edited by Akin MakanjuolaFelix Nwadioha