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Israel-Hamas: Pilgrims commission dumps Jerusalem for Rome, Greece

Pam made this known on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Abuja and emphasised that the security and welfare of the pilgrims remained the prime concern of the NCPC.
He noted that the commission had suspended the December 2023 pilgrimage to Israel due to the same concerns, adding that after a prolonged wait for the Israel/Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, to be over, he had personally led a research team to assess and inspect accommodation facilities and existing Biblical sites in Greece and Rome.
“I have led NCPC teams to inspect holy sites across Greece and Rome. We have discussed extensively with government and local authorities and security. Accommodation and good hospitality are assured as the very first batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims visit these places to connect physically with New Testament locations of the gospel and do spiritual exercises, including meditation and prayers for our dear nation.
“Also, arrangements for smooth flight, good meals and local transportation have been concluded for the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage; state governments, state offices of Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, churches and individuals have been formally informed about the modalities and the N3m cost that only requires some augmentation of payment previously made for the Israel/Jordan trip,” he said.
Pam explained that the new pilgrimage sites will include places where Apostle Paul, otherwise known as Saint Paul, passionately spread the teachings of Jesus Christ, converting polytheists and idol worshippers through extensive physical journeys and remarkable contributions that remain very significant parts of the New Testament to date.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu appoints new board of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.’
The new appointees include Colonel Aloche Adole as Chairman, Dr. Stephen Adegbite as Secretary, Mrs Omowumi Ogunlola as member, South-West, Clement Nweke as member, South-East and Prince Wosu as Member, South-South.
Others are Prof. Joseph Mamman as member, North-West, Dr. Toma Ragnjiya, member, North-East, Dr. Simon Dolly, member, North-Central and Raphael Nwankwo representing the Christian Association of Nigeria.
According to Ngelale, the President charged the new appointees to “consider their appointment as an opportunity to serve the nation and, as such, wholly commit themselves to this important purpose.”
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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
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