NCPC Boss Solicits Assistance For Activation Of BASA

The executive secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev Tor Uja,  has solicited the assistance of the  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Geoffery Onyema in the activation of Bilateral Air Service Agreement ( BASA) signed in 2013 between Nigeria and theState of Israel.

Uja, who made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Geoffery Onyema yesterday in Abuja, explained that because of the non activation of BASA, pilgrims have to fly for long hours due to absence of a direct flight from Nigeria to Israel.He said,” we will like that you assist us to put this agreement through”.

He also called for the minister’s assistance in the area of capacity building for staff of NCPC and pilgrimage operators.” We will like a situation where we can receive some degree of training”.

Uja said he would want pilgrims who go on pilgrimage to achieve three major objectives:: spirituality, to build a more nationalistic spirit by exposing them on the way and manner the Israelis  project their country and defend their critical infrastructure and to expose them to more productive elements of life.

While appreciating  the minister and the entire ministry for their support to christian pilgrimage in Nigeria, he explained that NCPC has been in partnership with the ministry for a long time without conflict.

Uja also commended the good work the embassies that are critical to the commission’s pilgrimage process have been doing and President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting christian pilgrimage despite the present economic meltdown.

Responding, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr.Geoffery Onyema said he considered it a rare pleasure to partner with NCPC and assured that training of NCPC staff and pilgrimage operators should be explored.

He explained that the spiritual dimension of pilgrimage is very important but should not be an end in itself.

Onyema equally posited that pilgrims should be able to add value on their return from Holy pilgrimage.

On the activation of BASA, he canvassed for further dialogue and negotiation between his Ministry and the Ministry of Transportation which also include Aviation in order to make it possible.