Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam Commends Easter Pilgrims as Good Ambassadors of Nigeria
By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, expressed his appreciation for the behavior of the fourth batch of Easter pilgrims currently in Jerusalem and Jordan.
In a statement by Ayuba Pam in Amman, Jordan stated Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam Commended Easter Pilgrims as Exemplary Ambassadors of Nigeria on Holy Journey. He praised them for being exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria during their time abroad.
Rev. Pam gave his closing remarks at a ceremony held at Tabar Hotel in Jerusalem, where he lauded the pilgrims and awarded them the prestigious title of Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP). Represented by Mr. Olanrewaju Olaribigbe, a senior staff member of the Commission.
Rev. Pam also expressed gratitude to the State executives secretaries and their chairmen for their collaborative efforts with the Commission, which contributed to the success of the pilgrimage.
Furthermore, Rev. Pam extended his appreciation to Tabor Tours for their exceptional services in ensuring the well-being of the pilgrims in terms of accommodation, transportation, and meals. He also urged the pilgrims to pray for the country.
During their spiritual journey, the pilgrims visited various holy sites in Israel and Jordan, where they offered prayers for Nigeria and its leaders. Notably, they visited Mount Precipice, where they learned about its significance as a pilgrimage site for Christians.
The location is home to the Church of the Beatitudes, where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered by Jesus. Pilgrims often ascend the mountain, retracing Jesus’s footsteps on his journey from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee. The Sermon on the Mount holds great importance in Christian ethics and spirituality, serving as a guide for virtuous living and following the teachings of Jesus.
Another site visited by the pilgrims was Armageddon, which plays a crucial role in Christian theology. Described in the Book of Revelation as the site of an ultimate battle between good and evil, Armageddon is believed to mark the end of the world. The significance of Armageddon stems from its association with the Second Coming of Christ and the events leading to the final judgment. The pilgrims also visited Galilee, the region where Jesus grew up and began his public ministry, and which witnessed several key events in the New Testament.
In Jordan, the pilgrims visited the Baptism Site of Jesus, known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan. This location on the eastern bank of the Jordan River is where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. It holds immense importance for Christians and is considered the third holiest site in Christianity after Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Additionally, the Baptism Site has become an archaeological site of significance, with numerous artifacts and ruins discovered over time.
The pilgrims also had the opportunity to explore the Church of Saint Stephen in Umm ar-Rasas, an ancient Byzantine village in southern Jordan. This church, built in the 6th century, is renowned for its impressive mosaics and well-preserved features. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and cultural significance, particularly for its Byzantine mosaics.
Tomorrow, the pilgrims will continue their journey, visiting other holy sites in both Israel and Jordan to offer prayers for the country and its leaders.