By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma has earned the NCPC Award as the 2024 Best Christian Pilgrimage Governor in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary , Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC , Bishop Stephen Adegbite presented the Award to Gov. Hope Uzodinma at the Government House, Owerri, Imo State on Monday, 13th May 2024.
Bishop Adegbite explained that by virtue of being the first Christian Pilgrimage Governor for the year 2023, he has become the first Christian Pilgrimage Ambassador in Nigeria.
In Christian Pilgrimage, what you did last year amazed all of us, you sponsored 1000 pilgrims to the Holy land, Bishop Adegbite said.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the Governor’s gesture in sponsoring many Christians to the holy land was unprecedented not only in Imo state but in the whole of Nigeria.
We are here to really appreciate what you have done, we must encourage you to do more for the people “.
We must appreciate what you have done, and this will encourage other Governors to do likewise, he said.
Bishop Adegbite further thanked the Governor for supporting the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Imo state chapter.
He hinted that the Commission plans to organize an executive Pilgrimage exercise to Israel in the nearest future and requested the Governor and the First Lady of the state to participate in the Executive Pilgrimage exercise.
He also revealed that the airlift of Christian pilgrims to the holy land would commence next month.
In his response, the Executive Governor of Imo State,Sen. Hope Uzodinma described the NCPC boss as a committed Christian, and a man whose name rings a bell in Nigeria.
He described his appointment as a well-deserved one .
” This is one appointment that has been commended nationally as a round peg in a round hole.”
He thanked the Commission for deeming it fit to give him an award, which he said would be dedicated to the Almighty God.
The Gov. however, emphasized that the Commission and the state are partners in progress.
The governor recalled that before the pilgrims embarked on the 2023 Pilgrimage exercise, the state was faced with serious challenges including all sorts of criminalites which compelled the state to send heavy delegation to the holy land to go and pray , when they came back God answered their prayers.
He emphasized that Christianity is a way of life, adding , ” we must continue to go to the holy land, stating that Israel is a land of promise by the Lord, and no evil will meet us there. We did it before, and we will do it again.”
Gov. Uzodinma advised officials of the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board to ensure that those who did not have the privilege of participating in the last Pilgrimage exercise should be given the opportunity to benefit in the 2024 Pilgrimage exercise.
He promised to encourage other governors to sponsor their Christian citizens to the holy land, as he expressed optimism that current NCPC leadership would attract a massive turn around in Christian Pilgrimage.
