July 24, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has explained why Nigerian pilgrims will now go to the Kingdom of Jordan instead of Israel for this year’s pilgrimage.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam, made this known in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ayuba Pam.
The NCPC boss said the decision to shun Israel for this year’s pilgrimage came after the country’s government insisted that pilgrims must take their own version of COVID-19 vaccines.
Pam added that Jordan also has over 100 holy sites for pilgrims to visit, insisting it will not change the purpose of the spiritual exercise.
“Jordan has many holy sites just like Israel. But the decision to embark on the Jordan pilgrimage was due to Israel’s insistence on Nigeria to accept her own vaccination against the virus.
“Also, the war in Gaza which will provide security challenges to pilgrims is another key reason.”
He further disclosed that the airlift of Christian pilgrims from Jos to Jordan is going to reduce the hardship being faced by pilgrims.
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