NCPC BOSS RECIEVES THE OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR AWARD – 2013

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara has

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara has been honoured with the Outstanding Public Servant of the Year Award – 2013 as well as the U.S Congressional Commendation Award.

The award being conferred on the NCPC boss under the auspices of the African Public Service Forum and Awards by the African Leadership Magazine formally bestowed on him on the 9^th April, 2014 at St Regis, Washington DC, USA.

In a letter of award earlier presented to the No. 1 Pilgrim Officer of the Federation, stated that “your choice for this prestigious honour is based on your efforts in uniting religious Leaders and the Christian community in Nigeria to remain peaceful and prayerful in the face of increasing assault on the faith by insurgent in the North-Eastern part of the country as well as your unrivalled contribution to public safety and religious tolerance in Nigeria”.

The statement also added: “the Board in its approval, note and maintain that your leadership has witnessed increased peaceful pilgrimage activities, which culminated in the successful outing of the Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan leading one of the delegations of faithful in the 2013 pilgrimage to Jerusalem- a first in the history, largely, adjudged as a spiritual turning point in the fortunes of the country”.

The statement further stated that “you have also been nominated for and be presented with the U.S CONGRESSIONAL COMMENDATION AWARD by the Leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus of the United States Georgia General Assembly during this event”.

Indeed, this honour on the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), is a well deserved one. His numerous achievements in enhancing the visibility of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria is unprecedented. Mr. Opara has succeeded in making Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria a Tool for Moral and Spiritual Transformation.

Therefore, this international recognition is timely and encouraging. If for anything else, it will spur him to do more for his country.