We hope 2020 pilgrimage will maintain, says commissioner

By Joseph Jibueze

Lagos State Commissioner for Residence Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, on Thursday mentioned November/December pilgrimage will maintain as soon as borders are opened.

Talking at a stakeholders’ discussion board/sensitisation, he urged those that intend to journey for the 2020 normal pilgrimage to acquire their kinds and make funds.

He assured those that paid for the Easter pilgrimage however couldn’t journey as a result of coronavirus pandemic that their cash is secure.

He mentioned since it could be on first come first served foundation, “it’s higher to depart your cash with the state authorities”.

The commissioner urged Christians to proceed to take precautions as coronavirus could be very actual.

He mentioned the pandemic shouldn’t be an avenue for the federal government to steal cash, as some erroneously imagine.

“We needed to inform those that couldn’t go in April why they might not go, and to guarantee them that they may go in November/December if Israel will give them permission to come back,” he instructed reporters.

Elegushi defined on the occasion that the pandemic pressured the cancellation of the Easter train.

“The authorities within the Holy lands (Isreal and Rome) needed to briefly shut their borders to pilgrims till additional discover.

“Let me allay your fears that the 2020 pilgrimage train is not going to maintain.

“I can confidently guarantee you that as quickly because the curve of this pandemic is flattened and the Holy lands unlock their borders, we are going to airlift the November/December 2020 intending pilgrims by the particular grace of God.

“We hope that the 2020 normal pilgrimage will maintain.

“Subsequently, we encourage those that have already subscribed to be relaxation assured that their funds are secure and secured with the Lagos State Authorities.”

READ ALSO: Buhari appoints Pam Christian Pilgrims Fee boss

He praised Christians for complying with the directive to not open worship centres and urged them to proceed to watch COVID-19 prevention tips, akin to frequent hand washing, sustaining social distancing and common use of facemasks.

Head of Particular Duties on the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Fee (NCPC) apologised to those that had been knowledgeable late that that they had been denied a visa for the final pilgrimage.

He defined that typically the visa denial attraction course of takes time, however assured that the Fee would start the processes earlier this 12 months to stop a recurrence.

“We attraction visa denials, and typically we get to know the end result on the eve of departure. We apologise for the brief hole between the time your visa got here out and your being knowledgeable. We guarantee you that it gained’t occur once more,” he mentioned.

Secretary, Lagos State Christian Board, Mrs Florence Gbafe, mentioned the occasion was organised to maintain intending pilgrims abreast of developments.