NCPC implores politicians to sponsor Nigerian youths on pilgrimage

Tom Okpe, Abuja

The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Uja TorUja has tasked political leaders to invest in the spiritual, political and economic growth of Nigerian youths by sponsoring them on pilgrimage to Israel.

He stated this on Wednesday in his office, Abuja when members of APC Grassroots Mobilizers paid a courtesy visit to NCPC headquarters to solicit sponsorship for pilgrimage to Israel.

Members of the group included: National Cordinator; Henry Munachimso, National Women Leader; Gloria Udeze, National Vice Chairman; Usongu Joseph, National Youth Leader; Solomon Sopuruchi, National Publicity Secretary; Nkem Lafia and National Vice Chairman (Southeast); Okpara Victor.

In his speech on the occasion, Tor said that any nation that wants to make appreciable progress must accord youths their deserving place in the nation, as they are no longer the leaders of tomorrow but leaders of now.

He said that leaders should invest on youths, women and rural communities, the three strategic groups he said will bring development to the country.

He said: “Development is not all about blocks and bricks. It is about ideas, so state governments should sponsor their youths on pilgrimage for their spiritual growth.

We have a vibrant youth that can export ideas, not manpower. I want all Nigerian youths to visit Israel and see what God has done for them then come back and invest in our country.

“In Israel, everything is produced by youths between the ages of 13 to 25. Therefore, our politicians should be exemplary by taking us forward, not backward.

However, you should not go to pilgrimage with a mind of running away. With what the potentials and natural endowments God has blessed us with, we can take on the world.”

Speaking earlier, the National Coordinator, Henry, said that their visit to the NCPC headquarters was to request for sponsorship for seven members of the group, as they were desirous of embarking on pilgrimage to Israel but lacked the financial wherewithal.