INFORMATION MINISTRY SET TO RE-BRAND CHRISTAIN PILGRIMS
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili has accepted an invitation extended to her office by the leadership of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) to assist in educating and re-branding intending Pilgrims of the country to the holy land.
Receiving a delegation from the NCPC led by its Executive Secretary, Mr. John Kennedy Okpara in her office on Thursday Prof. Akunyili condemned the spate of abscondment by pilgrims and recommended that serious actions be taken against such act.
The Minister stated the need to hold guarantors of such pilgrims accountable and suggested a huge fine to discourage such guarantors from recommending people of questionable character.
The Information Minister maintained that the abscondment of pilgrims on pilgrimage is not acceptable but commended the Christian Pilgrim Commission for their commitment and hard work.
Prof. Akunyili re-stated the sincerity of the present Administration and assured Nigerians of the good intention of the government to make Nigeria a secure country, noting that there is only one paradise and that is heaven.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC stated the preparedness of the commission to partner with the Information Ministry in the area of re-branding of intending pilgrims so that they can be good ambassadors of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Mr. Okpara explained that it is now mandatory for churches, private organisations and stakeholders to obtain clearance and license from the commission before they embark on holy pilgrimage from Nigeria.
He said the 2009 Pilgrimage will extend to Rome, Italy to give Christians more opportunity to visit other Holy sites of their choice.
He however warned people against indemnifying any pilgrim they do not know otherwise they stand the risk of prosecution.
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