NCPC plans to create 6 more pilgrimage zones

Rev. Tor Uja, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), says the commission will add six more to its pilgrimage zones so as to ensure cost effectiveness.

Uja said this at the Conference of Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers of Nigeria, tagged “Developing Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria” on Tuesday at Auta Balefi, near Keffi in Nasarawa State.

He said the commission has introduced cost-saving measures with the hope of generating resources and securing equipment to run the NCPC.

“We have introduced a lot of cost-saving measures in running NCPC and we are tapping from other sources.

“We are set to make things cost effective so that nothing draws too much from our budget.

“But we are going to implement it in stages, not just in a day. It will go in a convenient state and we will generate resources and equipment that will help us drive it.’’

Uja also called on well-meaning Nigerians, and Christians in particular, to rise up and be productive so that the present economic situation would not bring the country to a standstill.

He advised that Nigerians should always showcase good leadership capacity which would help in re-defining the economic structure of the country.

“It is time to demonstrate leadership capacity by every Nigerian who will see himself as a leader.

“Once you see yourself as a leader, God will help you do the rest because you carry yourself as a leader.

“I want to let Nigerians know that it is not the economic situation that makes you a leader but it is the leadership capacity that defines the economic situation,” the NCPC Executive Secretary said.

Also speaking, Rev Magaji Jirapye, Chairman of Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board (CPWB), Taraba State, said Nigerians should learn to protect their interests and be proud of Nigeria to make it great.

“We must not look down on what we have and ourselves, but to look on to God and be proud of our nation.

“Nigerians should see themselves as a nation of leaders and do what the leadership should do, like developing, focusing, enhancing and building the nation.

“We have to use our potentials, manage the resources we have and go back to the drawing board so as to make our nation greater than Israel for example,’’ he said.