President Bola Tinubu has cautioned Nigerian Christians embarking on pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan against absconding, stressing that “there is no country like Nigeria.”
The President gave this warning during the official flag-off of the delayed Easter Pilgrimage exercise of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), held at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, the Imo State capital. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu underscored the importance of pilgrimage as a profound spiritual journey of faith rather than an avenue for migration.
He praised the leadership of the NCPC under its Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, for his innovations and successful coordination of four pilgrimages to the Holy Land so far. The President also lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for his consistent support of the programme, recalling that the governor sponsored 1,000 pilgrims in 2023 and has repeated the gesture by sponsoring another 1,000 this year.
A statement issued by the Head of Media and Public Relations of NCPC, Mr. Celestine Toruka, quoted President Tinubu as saying:
> “You should not contemplate abscondment in your minds because there is no country like Nigeria.”
In his goodwill message, Governor Uzodimma expressed joy at the historic flag-off of the exercise in Imo State, urging pilgrims to intercede for the nation. “As you journey to the Holy Land, carry Nigeria in your heart. Pray for peace, pray for Mr. President, and for God to grant him greater wisdom,” he said.
Similarly, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Oti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, congratulated the intending pilgrims and highlighted pilgrimage as a journey of renewal and spiritual rebirth.
On his part, Bishop Adegbite commended President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their unwavering support while urging pilgrims to serve as worthy ambassadors of Christ and of Nigeria. He also appreciated the SGF for his supervisory role over the Commission.
For the first time in the history of Christian pilgrimage in Imo State, about 350 pilgrims from both Imo and Abia States were successfully airlifted from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, to the Holy Land.
