by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board says preparation is ongoing for the 2023/2024 Pilgrimage, with about eight hundred (800) expected to participate in the exercise this year.
Speaking to our correspondent in his office in Jos, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Rev. Wanson Yusufu Bagu, explained that, the 800 pilgrims were sponsored by the State Government and Local Government Councils, while about 3 from other states were self-sponsored.
Rev. Bagu added that, “Each intending pilgrim paid N3 million when the dollar was nine hundred and twenty naira; this includes transportation, accommodations, feeding and return-ticket.
He observed that now that the dollar is high, he does not know whether the National Body will ask them to add something, saying, “but for now they have not said anything.”
According to him, “The number is low due to the change of leadership at the NCPC. The National Executive Secretary visited Israel recently and came back and said the land is safe.”
He further explained that initially, they had earlier visited Rome and Greece last year November for the pilgrimage, but due to the change of leadership at the NCPC.
Rev Bagu stated that, Plateau State leaders by end of May they will be visiting Israel and Jordan to ensure that the environment is safe for the pilgrimage, and to make adequate arrangements on places to visit, as well as accommodations and transportation for the pilgrims.
Rev. Bagu further stated that, when they come back, the next thing to do is the National members of the NCPC will come down to Jos for screening of intending pilgrims, because most of the people have submitted their forms.
“By the grace of God, the intending pilgrims will start to be air lifted; hopefully by second or third week of June, it is expected that the first batch will leave.”