NAHCON/NCPC COLLABORATE ON RELIGIOUS HARMONY

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and its opposite number, the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) have agreed to join forces with the ultimate aim to end the perennial sectarian crises in the country.

The resolution was taken at the end of an interactive meeting held between the leadership of the two organizations in Abuja on Wednesday.
Briefing newsmen during the visitation to NAHCON’s office, the Chairman/CEO, Barr. Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, stated that the initiative is imperative in order to eliminate sectarian crises in the polity.
According to him, there is need for Nigerians to imbibe religious tolerance in order to co-exist peacefully.  “It is only under a peaceful environment that economic and political development or progress can be made.
Barr. Abdullahi revealed that the Commission is working assiduously to ensure that in spite of the economic challenge in the country, the intending pilgrims to the 2017 Hajj would enjoy improved services.
“We have develop a strategy of approaching and negotiating directly with service providers, thus eliminating the middle men. With this, we are optimistic that that we will be able to reduce the cost of hajj. ”
Earlier in his address, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Uja Tor Uja proposed a five day Interfaith National Leadership Conference involving NAHCON and NCPC with the goal of reaching a workable conclusion that would ensure long term peace in Nigeria.
According to him, the conference would serve as a critical tool for dialogue, mutual respect, cooperation and attitude change. “We should join our resources to achieve this. I pray that we would do something to save our people and heal our nation. Every Nigerian life is important, no matter his religion or lack of it. We should be in the forefront of protecting Nigerian lives and ensure a greater Nigeria”, he said.

UBA MANA
Head, Media Unit

02/02/2017