By Peace Udugba
President Bola Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Governor Alex Otti (Abia), and the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rt. Rev. Prof. Stephen Adegbite, have cautioned Nigerian Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel and Jordan against absconding, urging them to uphold patriotism and dignity throughout their stay in the Holy Lands.
They gave the warning on Wednesday at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, during the flag-off of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s (NCPC) 2025 Delayed Easter Pilgrimage Exercise to Israel and Jordan.
They noted that the Commission had put strict measures in place to ensure minimal or zero cases of abscondment or truancy during the exercise.
No fewer than 1,000 pilgrims are participating in this year’s programme.
President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described pilgrimage as a “spiritual journey of faith” and a “platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.”
He urged the pilgrims to return with their groups after the exercise, expressing confidence that the lessons from the journey would inspire them to contribute positively to building “an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.
He assured that his administration remains committed to promoting the spiritual well-being of Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation.
The President used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, stating that “prayer remains a sustaining force for Nigeria,” while reiterating his government’s commitment to promoting religious harmony.
His words: “It is important at this point to admonish the intending Christian pilgrims to demonstrate patriotism as they embark on this spiritual journey. Do not even entertain the thought of absconding, because there is no country like Nigeria. Here, you have your freedom and will be recognised in your own unique way. But once you remain behind illegally, you forfeit your respect and dignity.
“I therefore urge you to ensure you return with your batch at the end of the pilgrimage so you can contribute your quota to building an egalitarian society where no one is oppressed.
“It is also important to note that the NCPC, under the leadership of Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, has put all necessary mechanisms in place to prevent abscondment. It may interest you to know that from December last year to date, the Commission has recorded almost zero cases of abscondment. So, be warned.
President Tinubu emphasised that the theme of the exercise, *“Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,”* aligns perfectly with his administration’s *Renewed Hope Agenda*, which is focused on improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.
While acknowledging that some government policies have been tough on citizens, he assured that *“there will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel.
The President highlighted notable achievements under his leadership in *youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and national security*, adding that the reduction in insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry can be credited to the government’s firm resolve to restore peace across the country.
He commended the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, for successfully organising four pilgrimages in just two years, including the ongoing Easter pilgrimage. He also congratulated him on his recent appointment as Chaplain of the State House Chapel, describing him as “a man of proven efficiency.
President Tinubu further lauded Governor Hope Uzodinma for sponsoring 1,000 Christian pilgrims this year, as he also did in 2023, praising his commitment to both spiritual growth and infrastructural development in Imo State.
In his remarks, Governor Uzodinma thanked the President for his deep interest in both the spiritual and physical well-being of Nigerians, and for his unwavering commitment to building a better country.
The governor highlighted the *power of prayer, referencing Imo State’s transformation as a case study, and urged the pilgrims to use the exercise as an opportunity to seek God’s face and intercede for the state and the nation.
He cautioned the pilgrims against absconding, warning that any form of abuse of the pilgrimage programme would not be tolerated.
*His words:”We will work against any abuse. As you journey to the Holy Lands, carry Nigeria in your heart. Pray for peace, prosperity, unity, and for the President — for additional wisdom and guidance.
Governor Hope Uzodimma assured that by next year, more pilgrims would be sponsored noting, “we now enjoy relative peace in Imo State.
Encouraging the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of both the state and the country, the governor pledged that all their needs in Israel and Jordan would be met, including estacodes and allowances.
He said: You will not lack anything in Israel or Jordan. Return as renewed individuals, earn dignity and respect, and embrace renewed hope, which is wisdom. Go and follow your destiny. I wish you a safe trip.
In his remarks, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, urged the pilgrims not to treat the journey as a tourist trip, but rather reflect deeply on its spiritual significance.
He said:“Ask yourself why you are going on this pilgrimage. It is not just another journey — it is a spiritual exercise.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, First Lady Remi Tinubu, Governor Uzodimma, and SGF Sen. George Akume, for their commitment to the spiritual upliftment of Nigerians.
He praised Governor Uzodimma as an exemplary leader in matters of faith, noting that although he was conferred with the Ambassador of Pilgrimage award in 2024, he is strongly positioned to receive it again this year,
Describing Uzodimma, Adegbite said: He is a wonderful governor, a leader par excellence, a great man by all standards, and a beacon of hope for Imo, pilgrimage, and Nigeria.
He also joined in urging the pilgrims to approach the journey with reverence and spiritual dedication,
Prayers were offered for the Body of Christ, peace in Nigeria and the Middle East, a successful pilgrimage, and for the President, Governors, and other national leaders.
The high pointof the event was the formal flag-off of the pilgrimage by the President’s representative, Sen. George Akume, alongside Governor Uzodimma, Bishop Adegbite, and other dignitaries.
The event was attended by a wide array of leaders and dignitaries from within and outside Imo State.
