By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s, NCPC, delayed Easter Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State capital.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emphasized the significance of pilgrimage as a spiritual journey of faith.
The President also praised Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for his support of the pilgrimage program, noting that he has sponsored 1,000 pilgrims in 2023 and another 1,000 this year.
He commended the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, for his innovative leadership and successful conduct of four pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
“You should not contemplate abscondment in your minds because there is no country like Nigeria,” the President said.
Following the President’s remarks, Gov.Uzodimma expressed his delight at the flag-off ceremony and urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria.
He said, “As you journey to the holy land, carry Nigeria at heart, pray for peace, pray for Mr. President, for additional and incremental wisdom by God.”
Also, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Oti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, congratulated the intending pilgrims and emphasized the significance of pilgrimage as a journey of spiritual rebirth.
The Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, commended the President and Governor Uzodimma for their support and urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Christ and Nigeria.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for his effective supervisory role over the Commission.
About 350 intending Christian pilgrims from Imo and Abia States were airlifted for the first time in the history of Christian pilgrimage in Imo State to the Holy Land.
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