The new Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam has said that one of his main agenda is to fight corruption and redeem the global image of commission.

Speaking at the special Thanksgiving service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja in recognition of his appointment, Pam said that he will abide by the Act that established the NCPC, which creates orderliness and commitment to service.
“I have carefully studied the Act that established the NCPC and one striking provision is that the executive secretary is given recognition as the Chief Accounting Officer of the commission while every other staff of the agency is a support staff of the Executive Secretary.”

The Act has also given me powers to discipline anyone who fails in his or her duties. By this provision, it simply means that I will be accountable for every deed and misdeeds of the agency and I would not want to be associated with corruption or anything that will dent my image or the image of our dear CAN as I stand as an ambassador. I will do my best to fight corruption and redeem our image globally as well as the image of the agency, “ he said.

Pam also outlined some other priorities to include, staff welfare and rebuilding of the battered image of the Nigerian pilgrims abroad.
The NCPC boss who said he is the first CAN official to be appointed to head the pilgrims commission assured that he would work assiduously to gain people’s trust. He promised to carry out reconciliation amongst people for peaceful co-existence.

Pam said: “I have also promised my staff that by the grace of God, I shall build a credible institution in NCPC that will make her the envy of other government agencies, which will in turn make other agencies seek the services of our staff owing to their capacity and integrity.
“Secondly, I would like to rebuild our image internationally due to our core responsibility of embarking on pilgrimages as our image in international communities is not so good especially with the records we have of people absconding when sent on holy pilgrimage. In view of this, we have started working strategically with relevant stakeholders who will ensure thorough screening for intending Pilgrims for an increased global acceptability and respect.

Pam who described himself as a product of CAN, said it is a privilege to be honoured by CAN with the thanksgiving service.
He said that what he cherished most is good relationship with people which has brought him thus far.


Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, in his remarks expressed fears that Nigeria may crumble totally if citizens don’t pray for President Muhammadu Buhari.
Though he acknowledged that Buhari was doing a lot, the security challenges are still obvious in the country, he said.

Gowon reemphasised that if Nigeria’s territorial integrity was undermined, Somalia will be a child’s play, warning that no one should be allowed to toil with the unity of the country.
Represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume, the former military ruler alleged that some people with sinister motives don’t want peace to reign in the country, hence the need for prayers.
He said, “This commission is crucial and sensitive as one of the agencies of government.
“You are coming into the office at a time that we have very serious security challenges. We have made a lot of efforts to solve these problems along with people of other religion.

“We need peace to succeed. I know President Muhammadu Buhari is doing a lot but the challenges are still there. There are people with sinister motives, who wouldn’t want peace. But through prayers, I appeal to CAN to continue to pray not only for Yakubu Pam but for the president and all of us, and for your dear country, so that Nigeria will not go asunder.

“A scholar said that we are structurally complex and pluraly diverted. If our territorial integrity is undermined, Somalia will be a child’s play. We don’t have to toil with our unity. You are in a very good position working closely with CAN and people of other faith so that together we can reestablish peace, push forward our agenda for our territorial integrity, push forward for our oneness so that together supporting the president, we can take our country to the next level, we have the human and material resources to take Nigeria to the next level.”
CAN President, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle asked the new Executive Secretary of NCPC to rise to the challenge giving good leadership to commission.

One of the problems bedeviling Nigeria today is scarcity of leaders with integrity. Some are rogues and embezzlers and we still call them Excellency”, he said.

Ayokunle also expressed the hope that under the tenure of Rev. Pam the NCPC will be able to airlift pilgrims direct to Israel.

He charged the new Executive Secretary of the National Christian Pilgrims Commission to be controlled by the holy spirit, faithful, strategic, courageous, creative and a servant leader as he pilots the affairs of the commission.

The Guest of honour at the event and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-agege in his goodwill message said there is the need for the new executive secretary of NCPC to use his office to further promote inter religious harmony in the country.

“I trust that you will bring your wealth of knowledge and experience in the teachings of Christ, to propagate tolerance and love in our country. As believers and disciples of Jesus Christ, we must follow his footsteps.

“I am confident in your ability to raise the bar and improve the experience and outcome of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria,” he noted.
Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, while congratulating Rev. Pam on his new appointment, reminded the gathering that COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the cases of rape and Gender Based Violence in the country.
According to the Minister, for every rape case reported, there's usually ten more cases that goes unreported.

Governor Simon Baki Lalong, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Plateau State, Mr. Jerry Werr described NCPC as a representation of CAN in the Nigerian Government, saying that Plateau people are confident that Rev. Yakubu Pam will deliver in his new position.

Similarly, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, in their separate goodwill messages described the appointment of Rev. Yakubu Pam as a round peg in a round hole admonished him never to allow leadership position change him from who he is.

They called on all and sundry to give him the necessary support to enable him succed in his new assignment.