By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has tasked the first set of Christian pilgrims in the holy land to conduct themselves decently, reflecting their new title of Jerusalem Pilgrims (JP) in their character, conduct, and spiritual life.
In a statement signed by Deputy Director/ Head Media and publicity, Celestine Toruka in Nazareth, Bishop Adegbite, gave this charge during the Jerusalem Pilgrims ceremony organized by the first batch of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise.
The Bishop Adegbite, who was represented by the Federal Commission South West in the Board of the emphasized the importance of living an exemplary life of testimony, shunning negative tendencies, and emulating a lifestyle that others can follow.
“I urge you to ensure that your new title of Jerusalem Pilgrims reflects in your character, conduct, and spiritual life. Live an exemplary life of testimony so that others can emulate your lifestyle and shun negative tendencies,” Bishop Adegbite said.
The NCPC boss also commended the pilgrims for living up to expectations and encouraged them to finish well. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for facilitating this year’s Main pilgrimage exercise, despite the challenges posed by the Hamas militant group’s attack on Israel last October.
Furthermore, he thanked the Lagos State Governor , Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his continued support for Lagos pilgrims; while affirming the Commission’s commitment to rendering quality service to Nigerian pilgrims, in line with its mandate and corporate slogan, “Service and Satisfaction.”
The General Manager of Tabar Tour, Miss Shadia Scrour, described the event as a special day for the company. She thanked President Bola Tinubu for making it possible for this year’s Main Pilgrimage exercise to take place. She also expressed her appreciation to Bishop Adegbite for his visionary leadership.
The Acting Charge de Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy in Israel, Mr. Ode Ikwe congratulated the pilgrims and expressed optimism about the success of the pilgrimage exercise. He noted that the Embassy is happy to receive positive reports about the pilgrims, which is a testament to the Commission’s stance on achieving zero abscondment of pilgrims.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, thanked God for the opportunity to return to the holy land of Israel. He noted that the last time their pilgrims were in the Holy Land was in October 2023 when the war broke out.
Bishop Johnson applauded the staff of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board for their commitment and hard work. He expressed optimism that future pilgrimages would continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
