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NCPC to adopt whistle-blowing to check abscondment
NCPC to adopt whistle-blowing to check abscondment
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) says it will adopt whistle-blowing for staff of the Commission involved in aiding the absconding of pilgrims.
This is contained in a Communiqué at the end of a four-day Retreat held in Jos and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
The communiqué revealed that all intending pilgrims should be thoroughly screened physically or through Zoom to beat visa application deadlines.
It said the whistle-blowing mechanism would evolve an effective screening system at different levels of its operations
It said that henceforth all screening exercises would be led by very senior and experienced officers to avoid incidents of abscondment.
It said that forms for use by State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards (SCPWBs) should be harmonised across various states and approved by the Commission before use.
“Screening officers should not decide based on the statement of accounts, as being found to be on many occasions.
“That all States SCPWBs should be made to realise that pilgrims who have been airlifted by the Commission to various Holy Sites should be seen as Nigerian pilgrims and not the limited view of seeing such pilgrims as belonging to a particular state,” it said.
The communiqué accordingly said that in this respect, SCPWBs should work closely with the Commission’s staff in order to ensure a smooth pilgrimage devoid of pilgrim abscondment.
It further said that the authority of federal government officials (including NCPC staff) should be communicated by the Executive Secretary to all states during conference of States meetings.
“Any Secretary of SCPWBs who desires to guarantee an intending pilgrim should not be allowed to guarantee more than two pilgrims.
“Pilgrims to be so guaranteed; and where the SCPWBs desires to provide guarantee for more than two, then he should be made to submit a written undertaking to the Executive Secretary of NCPC to that effect.
“And the ES of NCPC will examine such and reach a decision as appropriate in the circumstances.
“That staff on screening exercise to Zonal Offices should leverage on the knowledge of the staff of such Zonal Offices of the local environment to guide them.
“That two staff or at least one staff who carried out the screening of any pilgrims should be made to accompany such pilgrims whenever they are travelling; this is to apply any knowledge gained during the screening for monitoring of those pilgrims.
“In this respect, the name of any suspected pilgrim should be compiled and given to staff travelling with them to nip any attempt to escape on the part of the pilgrims,” it said.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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