…..Commends Hope Uzodinma, For Sponsoring 1,000 Christian Pilgrims
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian Christian pilgrims traveling to Israel and Jordan to be good ambassadors of the country and not to abscond during their spiritual journey.
He made the appeal at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, while officially flagging off the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) 2025 Delayed Easter Pilgrimage exercise, yesterday.
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 crucial platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.
He stressed the importance of the pilgrims’ return to Nigeria to help foster national unity and contribute to building “an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.”
According to him “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.”
President Tinubu also acknowledged the strict measures implemented by the NCPC under the leadership of Stephen Adegbite to eliminate cases of abscondment.
He revealed that from December last year to date, the Commission has nearly achieved zero abscondment in all its pilgrimage exercises. “So be warned,” he underscored. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting religious pilgrimages for both Christians and Muslims.
“Prayer remains a sustaining force for Nigeria. Our government is dedicated to promoting religious harmony across all faiths,” Tinubu said.
The theme of the pilgrimage exercise: “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration” resonates with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to enhance Nigerians’ quality of life through peace, security, infrastructure, youth empowerment and education.
Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties faced by citizens under some tough policies but reassured that there will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel.
He commended the strides in reducing insurgency, kidnapping and banditry, crediting the government’s resolve in restoring peace to communities nationwide.
President Tinubu also praised Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, for sponsoring 1,000 Christian pilgrims for the 2025 exercise, in addition to the same number supported in 2023.
He hailed Governor Uzodinma’s commitment to the spiritual upliftment and infrastructural development of Imo State.
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission 2025 Delayed Easter Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan officially commenced with this send-forth event, marking a significant moment for Nigerian pilgrims preparing to undertake this revered spiritual journey.