3000 Christian Pilgrims Airlifted

ABOUT 2,500 Christian pilgrims have been successfully airlifted, Executive Secretary National Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Okpara, has said.The NPC boss who expressed satisfaction at the figure stated that the commission is making progress, as many more pilgrims would be airlifted in coming days. Receiving the first batch of pilgrims from Niger State at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Opara said pilgrims were airlifted in about 12 trips since commencement of the exercise. He disclosed that on November 25, the first batch of intending pilgrims to Rome and Greece, numbering about 455, would be airlifted, adding that the commission has already put plans in motion to ensure a hitch free operation.Opara expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of the ongoing 2011 pilgrimage exercise to the holy land, attributing the success to the role played by the commission's officials, particularly the federal commissioners and medical team. This, according to him, resulted in no cases of absconding or sickness. He noted that the exercise, which is purely spiritual, offers the pilgrims opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and prayer for the nation. Responding on behalf of the pilgrims, the leader of the delegation, Ibrahim Yisa commended the commission for what he described as satisfactory arrangement, especially in transportation and accommodation.
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