President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned Nigerian Christian pilgrims traveling to Israel and Jordan against absconding during their holy journey, stressing that patriotism and dignity should guide their conduct abroad.

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

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu described pilgrimage as “a spiritual journey of faith” and a platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.

The President urged the pilgrims to return home with their groups at the end of the exercise, noting that their experiences would help them contribute positively to building “an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.”

Highlighting his administration’s support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, Tinubu said prayer remains a sustaining force for Nigeria and reiterates his government’s commitment to promoting religious harmony.

He warned that the NCPC had put strict measures in place to ensure near-zero cases of abscondment.

He said, “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.”

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

The President emphasised that the theme of the exercise, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.

Tinubu, while acknowledging that some governments’ policies had been tough on citizens, assured that “there will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel.”

The President highlighted strides recorded under his government in youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security, noting that the reductions In insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry can be traced to the government’s resolve to restore peace.

He lauded the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, for successfully organising four pilgrimages within two years of his leadership, including the ongoing Easter pilgrimage. He also congratulated Adegbite on his recent appointment as Chaplain of the State House Chapel, describing him as “a man of proven efficiency.”

He applauded the host governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for sponsoring 1,000 Christian pilgrims this year, in addition to a similar number in 2023.

The SGF lauded Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to the spiritual uplift and infrastructural development of Imo State. (The Nation)