President Bola Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma ( Imo), Alex Otti ( Abia) and the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rt. Rev. Prof. Stephen Adegbite have warned Nigerian Christian pilgrims traveling to Israel and Jordan against absconding during their stay in the Holy lands, urging them to make patriotism and dignity their watchwords while there.

They spoke Wednesday at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State while flagging off the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission?s (NCPC) 2025 Delayed Easter Pilgrimage Exercise to Israel and Jordan.

They warned seriously that the NCPC had put strict measures in place to ensure near-zero cases of abscondment and truancy during the trip.

No fewer than 1,000 pilgrims are participating in the exercise this year.

Tinubu who was 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 home with their groups at the end of the exercise, confident that the experiences they gained during the trip would help them contribute positively to building ?an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.?

The President used the opportunity to highlight his administration?s support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, indicating that "prayer remains a sustaining force for Nigeria" reiterates his government?s commitment to promoting religious harmony.

His words: "It is important at this point to admonish the intending Christian Pilgrims to show patriotism as they embark on this spiritual journey. You should not contemplate abscondment in your minds because there is no country like Nigeria. While in Nigeria, you have your freedom and you will be recognised in your own little way. But once you stay behind illegally, you have automatically lost all your respect and dignity.

"I therefore, urge you to ensure you return with your batch at the end of your pilgrimage exercise so that you can join forces with the government to build an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.

"It is equally germane to reiterate that NCPC under the leadership of Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite has put all mechanisms in place to check abscondment. It will interest you to know that the Commission in all its pilgrimages from December last year to date has been able to achieve almost zero abscondment, so be warned."

Assuring that his administration remains committed to promoting the spiritual well-being of Nigerians, irrespective of religion,

Tinubu emphasized that the theme of the exercise, ?Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,? aligns perfectly with his administration?s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.

Though he acknowledged that some government's policies had been tough on citizens, he assured that ?there will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel.?

He highlighted strides recorded under his government in youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security, and noted that the reductions in insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry can be traced to the government?s resolve to restore peace.

He not only praised the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Adegbite, for successfully organizing four pilgrimages within two years of his leadership, 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.?

The President also lauded Governor Uzodinma, for sponsoring 1,000 Christian pilgrims this year, even as he did the same in 2023.

Tinubu praised Governor Uzodinma's commitment to the spiritual upliftment and infrastructural development of Imo State.

In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma thanked the President for taking keen interest in the physical and spiritual well-being of the Nigerian citizens and for his commitment for a better country.

The Imo State Governor who brought to the fore the efficacy of prayers, using what happened to Imo State before now and where the State is now as a case study, admonished the pilgrims to see the exercise as an opportunity to seek the face of God, pray for the State and the Country.

He cautioned them against escaping.

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 the President (for additional wisdom and guidance)."

Uzodimma assures that by next year more persons would be supported to go to pilgrims, saying "we have relative peace in Imo State."

The Governor encouraged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and the country, assuring them that all their needs in the Holy lands would me met including their estacodes and allowances. He quipped, "you will not lack anything in Israel or Jordan, come back as new individuals, earn dignity and respect, renew the hope, which is the wisdom, go and follow your destiny. I wish you safe trip."

Also in his remarks the Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba told the pilgrims not to see the trip as a mere tourist exercise.

He encouraged the pilgrims to ask themselves the question of why they want to go on pilgrimage rather than see or take it as any other journey.

Earlier in his address, Bishop Adegbite thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, Governor Uzodimma and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, for their commitment towards the spiritual upliftment of the Nigerian citizens.

Adegbite lauded Governor Uzodimma for being exemplary in the way he takes the things of God, stressing that though the Governor was awarded the Ambassador of Pilgrimage in Nigeria by the NCPC last year chances of the Governor getting the same honour this year are very high.

He described Uzodimma as "a wonderful Governor, leader par excellence, great man by all standards, beckon of hope for Imo, Pilgrimage and Nigeria."

Adegbite also joined in urging the pilgrims to see the trip as purely a spiritual one and apply themselves accordingly.

Prayers were offered for the Body of Christ, for Peace in Nigeria and the Middle East, for successful Pilgrimage and for the President, the Governors and Nigerian leaders.

The highpoint of the event was the formal flag off of the exercise by the President's representative, Sen. Akume assisted by Governor Uzodimma, Bishop Adegbite and other key stakeholders.

The event was attended by different dignitaries from and outside Imo State.

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