By Ngozi Nwankwo
Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has said the commission is set to incorporate Agricultural skill acquisition
especially for youths into the pilgrimage experience.
Adegbite disclosed while briefing the newsmen on the minimum wage crises and preparations by the Commission for 2024 christian pilgrimage held in his office Abuja weekend.
He said incorporating agricultural skills would help in getting first-hand knowledge of Israel’s globally acclaimed agriculture sector and how to replicate it in the country.
“We see a lot of potential benefit in ensuring that our people tap into the Israeli ecosystem and its value chain.
Disclosing the Commission’s preparations ahead 2024 pilgrimage exercise, Adegbite said NCPC recently convened a 7-day retreat/pre-visit for special pilgrimage leaders, managers and other stakeholders in Nazareth, Israel with the theme: Enriching Christian Pilgrimage Experience for Satisfaction.
He said while in Israel, an NCPC delegation which he led also had an interface with Israeli government officials from the Ministries of foreign affairs, interior and Border Control with a view to addressing some pending issues.
The NCPC boss said the deliberations had to do mainly with visa denial, visa validity and the reduction of visa approval days from 14 to 10 days, adding that, at the end of the meeting which also had officials from the Nigerian embassy in attendance, the Israelis agreed to reconsider all existing relationships to ensure a pleasurable pilgrimage experience for Nigerians.
“They also promised continuous dialogue with NCPC and its representatives.
“I want to place it on record that on assuming office as Executive Secretary, I made it a priority to revive all crucial relationships that had been abandoned over the years and that by God’s grace is what I have began with by leading the Nigerian delegation to a
meeting which was held with the Israeli government officials before we returned to Nigeria.
“On behalf of the commission, I am assuring intending Nigerian pilgrims of a rewarding experience not only this year but also
throughout my tenure,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary has commended the Organized Labour for heeding the call by well meaning Nigerians to suspend the nationwide strike and also appreciate the Federal government for shifting ground from its earlier stance of N60,000 new national minimum wage.
” Now as all the parties begin a fresh round of negotiations with N60,000 as ground zero, I have some advice for the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC,and Trade Union Congress, TUC, as well as government negotiators. As much as the Federal government has ruled out Labours previous demand of N494,000 minimum wage and committed itself to going over N60,000, all the parties should spare a thought for
Private sector players who are the largest bloc of employers in the country,” said NCPC boss.