The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara, has assured that the Commission would explore all available possibilities to ensure that through its Lottery Scheme, pilgrimage would be made more affordable and accessible to all Christians in every nook and cranny of Nigeria.

He gave this assurance recently during the 2016 Board/Staff retreat at Goshen City, Abuja-keffi express way, which brought together NCPC Board and Staff from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria to discuss and strategize towards better service delivery.

In his welcome address, the executive secretary highlighted some of the giant strides the Commission was able to attain in the previous year; among which were: the launching of the mega edition of youth pilgrimage, commencement of skills acquisition programme during pilgrimage exercises in Israel, signing of MoU with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), etc.

He urged the Board and Staff of the Commission to rely on the corporate strength of the Commission and demonstrate exemplary leadership skills at all levels. He further urged them not to compromise laws and standards in the Commission, but should rather see themselves as leaders by unique recreation. In his words, “Avoid compromise as it is a standard killer”

NCPC Boss encouraged staff to stand firm in the face of challenges as they must surely come. He added that failure is not an option, “We will continue to put our heart into what we do to ensure that the Commission succeeds”, he said.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who was represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on political affairs, Rt. Hon. Gideon Zamani, commended NCPC Boss for his thoughtful and innovative leadership style. He described him as leader with great ideas. According to him “with people like you, this country will be great again because only great ideas can bring about the change we need in this time”

He further commended the NCPC Boss for putting God first in all his doings. He pointed out that this was the secret behind his unstoppable success.

He explained that the significance and importance of Christian pilgrimage cannot be over emphasized, because of the spiritual values and uplifting it brings to the faith of its beneficiaries.

In his goodwill address, the President of ECWA, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Gado described the Executive Secretary of NCPC as a visionary leader and a man of focus.

He posited that pilgrimage must be sustained because nations who visit Israel to pray shall be blessed. In his words, “Nigeria was spared last year because of the prayers offered in Israel on behalf of the country.”

He generously called on Christian leaders in Nigeria to follow the example of the ECWA church leadership by sponsoring and encouraging others to sponsor their congregation to Israel on Holy pilgrimage.