The Federal House of Representatives will collaborate with the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT CPWB) to ensure seamless performance of pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Christian Pilgrims Affairs, Festus Ayodele Adefiranye, gave this assurance during an interactive session between the Committee and the FCT CPWB management at the National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.
His words: “Collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, (FCT CPWB) is necessary for seamless pilgrimages and improved service delivery to all pilgrims.”
He said the interaction is aimed at acquainting the Committee with the mandates of the Board and assist to upscale its operations for benefits of the pilgrims.
Adefiranye, whilst appreciating the Management staff of the Board for honouring the invitation, stated the readiness of the newly formed 40-member Committee, which he Chairs, to collaborate with the FCT CPWB.
According to him, “The essence of this meeting is to establish a rapport with you and to know about your mandates, activities and challenges and begin to put measures in place to resolve them. We in the Committee will do our best to encourage you to succeed.”
Responding, the Acting Director, FCT CPWB, Mrs. Rahila Isa- Baita, appreciated the Chairman of the Committee for initiating the interaction; stating that “It is such a privilege to have a big shoulder to lean upon in the quest to promote Christian pilgrimages in the Territory.
She said that primarily, the mandate of the Board is to mobilize, sensitize Christians for pilgrimage, educate intending pilgrims and the Christians on the importance of pilgrimage as well as protect, safeguard the interest and welfare of Christian pilgrims from the FCT in Holylands.”
“We make adequate and suitable transportation and accommodation for them. In addition, we oversee matters relating to health, immigration, security, foreign exchange and consular matters. Recently, we have embarked on sensitization to the six Area Councils of the FCT, and visited some church leaders to urge them to mobilize their congregations to participate in the main pilgrimage for 2023, which will now hold in February 2024,” she added.
Isa-Baita expressed readiness of the Board to leverage on the synergy already established during the meeting; reiterating, “We Will exploit your willingness to collaborate with us by sustaining the partnership.”
