Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo is billed to launch the 2016 Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land on Nov. 24 at Yola International Airport, Jimeta, according to a statement.
The statement was issued by Mr Celestine Ogugua, the Head of Media of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ogugua stated that Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa would be the Special Guest of Honour, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir David Lawal,
would serve as Distinguished Guest of Honour at the event.
The media head noted that former Governor of Adamawa, Dr Wilberforce Juta, would serve as Chairman of the occasion, while governors from the North East and North Central would grace the occasion as special guests.
The Adamawa governor would be honoured with an award of distinction for outstanding pilgrimage partnership, sponsorship and support by the leadership of the NCPC at the event.
The presentation of the award was for the governor’s support for Christian pilgrimage, partnership with the Church and support for NCPC, Ogugua stated.
He added that the launch would feature prayers, worship and speeches from dignitaries, as well as distribution of Nigeria-branded souvenirs.
It would be rounded up by inspection of aircraft and its provisions, to be led by the SGF.
The pilgrimage takeoff points include Yola International Airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The choice of this year’s pilgrimage launch in Yola was to have a shift from the traditional launch
location in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the NCPC had urged intending pilgrims to refrain from patronising unauthorised persons and organisations that try to use the pilgrimage to extort money from unsuspecting Nigerians.
The Commission advised that such persons should be reported to the police. (NAN)