No fewer than 1,000 Christian pilgrims on Wednesday departed Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, for a Holy Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, flagged off the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s (NCPC) delayed 2025 Easter pilgrimage.
Describing the pilgrimage as “a spiritual journey of faith,” Tinubu cautioned the travellers against absconding, stressing that the exercise serves as a platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.
He said, “I urge you to ensure you return with your batch at the end of your pilgrimage so that you can join forces with government to build an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.”
The President commended NCPC under Bishop Stephen Adegbite for achieving near-zero abscondment in recent trips, while reiterating his administration’s commitment to religious harmony and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu acknowledged that some government policies had been tough on citizens but assured that “there will be light at the end of the dark tunnel,” pointing to gains in youth empowerment, education, security, and reductions in insurgency and banditry.
He also praised Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for his continued sponsorship of pilgrims, noting that the governor sponsored 1,000 Christians in both 2023 and 2025.
Uzodimma, in his remarks, urged the pilgrims to carry Nigeria in their hearts and pray for peace, prosperity, unity, and wisdom for the President.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Caleb Ajagba, advised the pilgrims to see the exercise not as tourism but as a spiritual calling.
Earlier, Bishop Adegbite thanked Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Remi Tinubu, and Uzodimma for their support, describing the Imo governor as “a beacon of hope for Imo, pilgrimage, and Nigeria.”
Prayers were offered for the peace of Nigeria, the Middle East, the President, governors, and all national leaders.
