About 3,500 pilgrims from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Imo states, among others, are to be airlifted from Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo, for this year’s Christian pilgrimage to the holy lands.

The Secretary of Nigerian Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Abuja, John Kennedy Okpara, disclosed this yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Godswill Akpabio at the Governor’s Office, Uyo. He said this was due to the modern and standard facilities in the airport which have made it one of the best in the country.

Okpara described the airport as world-class and a model in terms of best practices and standards. He further hinted that Christian pilgrims from some neighbouring states would be airlifted this year from the airport to Greece and Rome for the same pilgrimage.

He also announced that the commission has successfully negotiated a rebate with the Federal Government which has witnessed a reduction by 12 per cent (N358,000) to Rome and 23 per cent (N425,000) to Greece respectively, noting that pilgrimage has restored family values as well as shaped leadership attributes.

The Secretary who was amazed with the massive development in Akwa Ibom, especially the new Governor’s Office, Uyo, thanked God for providing such a focused governor who has changed the status of the state.

Chief Akpabio welcomed Okpara to the state, and thanked him for what he has been doing to the Christian kingdom by increasing the number of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land on a yearly basis, stating: “Under your leadership, you have carried many pilgrims to the Holy Land. During your tenure, the number of pilgrims has quadrupled.”

The governor lauded his readiness and vision to airlift Christian pilgrims from Akwa Ibom International Airport to Israel, saying: “There’s need to bring Nigerians to God. God stands for love and peace and not hatred and violence.”

•Photo (L-R): Gov. Godswill Akpabio, wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, and Nigerian Pilgrims Welfare Commission Secretary, John Kennedy Okpara, at the monthly Government House Prayer Meeting . . . today in Uyo.

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