Kogi State Christian Pilgrims Commission has advised all intending Pilgrims especially those that have paid before the outbreak of Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 to re declare their intentions as this year’s exercise according to Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission may likely be restricted to Jordan.
Permanent Member 1 of the Christian Pilgrims commission in Kogi State, Ms Halima Salihu, told Journalists in an interactive session in Lokoja, that Covid 19 pandemic has adversely affected the operations of the Commission as well as created a dis-balance for the intending Pilgrims who desire to go to the holy land to pray.
The Christian Pilgrimage which usually allow Pilgrims to travel to Israel, with Pilgrims visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem and other Cities with historical religious sites may likely not be made possible this year owing to restrictions by the Israeli Government.
According to her, “Covid 19 held back the activities of the commission since last year making people who paid for pilgrimage not to be able to travel following wild and wide spread of the scourge.
” Information from the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission is that the Pilgrims may be restricted to Jordan. We are however awaiting clearance from NCPC”, however expressed optimism that the NCPC is making frantic efforts for Pilgrims to visit Isreal and also expecting that the Israeli authorities would receive Pilgrims from other nations”. Ms Halima Salihu explained.
She said though Pilgrims are to visit Jordan by May 27 this year, they have to undergo 4 PCR tests at 4 different points in Nigeria and Jordan.
Salihu who regretted that contingent could not make last year’s pilgrimage due to the dreaded Covid 19 outbreak, called on both the Nigerian and Middle East authorities to close ranks and enable Pilgrims to go to the Holy land to pray for peace, unity and progress of the country and nations all over the world.
According to the permanent Member of the Commission, the pilgrimage is an opportunity for the believers to see things for themselves in the holy land as stipulated in the holy scriptures, said it helps to build their faith.
She however commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his undeterred faith in rejecting Covid 19, said God has vindicated him said Kogi did not witness or experience the trauma that swept the universe.
The Permanent Member Commended Gov Yahaya Bello for his proactive steps in the handling of the Covid19 pandemic, described him the Governor as courageous and principled.