Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has called on members of the Nigeria/Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the House of Representatives to collaborate with the Commission in advocating for the well-being of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria. During a courtesy visit by the group, led by the committee chairman, Hon. Kobis Thimnu, Rev. Pam expressed his belief that the establishment of the new standing committee by the House of Representatives would not only strengthen the NCPC but also enhance relations between Nigeria, Israel, and the global Christian community.

Rev. Pam commended the House of Representatives for recognizing the importance of the NCPC and its inauguration of the new standing committee focused on Nigeria and Israel. He expressed optimism that the committee’s involvement would yield positive results and contribute to the progress of the Commission. Rev. Pam stated, “I am glad that we have this group in the House of Representatives. Your coming today is to think with us and provide solutions on how to move the Commission forward.”

During the meeting, Rev. Pam highlighted some of the challenges faced by the Commission since assuming office in 2020. However, he emphasized that despite these obstacles, the NCPC has successfully organized six pilgrimages within three years. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the administration’s support, particularly during the completion of the Commission’s 2023 Easter pilgrimage.

Chairman Hon. Kobis Thimnu expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the Executive Secretary and stated that the committee’s visit aimed to introduce themselves and familiarize themselves with the workings of the Commission. He emphasized the importance of the meeting in fostering a good relationship and expected positive impact.

Hon. Thimnu also commended Rev. Pam for his swift action during the war between Israel and the Hamas group in October 2023. He called for restraint from both sides to prevent further humanitarian issues in Gaza. The chairman further explained that the courtesy visit served as an opportunity to formally establish the Nigerian/Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group Committee as a standing committee in the National Assembly. He expressed the committee’s commitment to bridging the gap between the Israeli Parliament and their Nigerian counterparts and seeking legislative actions to address issues such as pilgrim abscondment. Additionally, the chairman requested the Commission’s support in setting up the Secretariat of the Group and expressed eagerness for a mutually beneficial relationship.