Commission introduces raffle draw for poor Nigerian pilgrims

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, has resorted to raffle draw to assist poor Nigerians undertake holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem without stress.

The raffle draw is tagged 'Win a Trip to Israel.'
Mr Ayo Arise, South-West Coordinator of the programme, made the disclosure on Friday in Ado-Ekiti while briefing newsmen.

He said that the move was to ensure that rich Nigerians would not monopolise holy pilgrimage to Israel.

He said that the step had become necessary in view of the fact that some states had already backed out of sponsorship of holy pilgrimage due to the financial crisis rocking the nation.

He said that ticket for the raffle draw would be sold as from April 18 in Ado Ekiti.

Arise, a former PDP senator, said that the ticket would cost N500 and would be available in all the branches of United Bank for Africa across the South-West zone.

He said that the raffle draw would be coordinated by Fortune Games Limited under the supervision of Christian Association of Nigeria and Nigeria Lottery Commission.

Arise, the Chief Executive Officer of Quick Win Lotto, said winners from all the states of the federation would be sponsored by the commission after emerging from a transparent contest.

“The money gathered from the sale of the lottery ticket will be used to sponsor the winners to Israel.

“Muslim Pilgrims Commission is also working on similar programme.

“What makes this raffle draw very unique is that Muslims will be allowed to play and if they win they will be sponsored to Israel.

“This will help in promoting religious harmony and peaceful co-existence among religious groups in our country,” he said.

Arise said the raffle, which would take place at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, would be drawn twice a month. (NAN)