President Tinubu flags off delayed Easter pilgrimage in Owerri
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong warning to Nigerian Christian pilgrims traveling to Israel and Jordan, urging them not to abscond during the trip, stressing that “there is no country like Nigeria.”
The President made this declaration during the official flag-off of the delayed Easter Pilgrimage exercise organized by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, in Imo State.
Though President Tinubu could not attend in person, he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who delivered the President’s message and formally inaugurated the pilgrimage exercise.
Pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, not a ticket to escape — Tinubu
In a statement released by Celestine Toruka, Head of Media and Public Relations at the NCPC, President Tinubu emphasized the sacred nature of the pilgrimage and discouraged any thoughts of abscondment, which has historically been a concern during such exercises.
“You should not contemplate abscondment in your minds because there is no country like Nigeria,” the President stated.
He called on the intending pilgrims to focus on the spiritual essence of the journey, urging them to be ambassadors of Christ and true representatives of Nigeria.
Governor Uzodimma sponsors 1,000 pilgrims for second year
The event also highlighted the growing support from state governments. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State was praised for his continued backing of the NCPC’s programs. The President commended him for sponsoring 1,000 pilgrims in 2023, and repeating the gesture again in 2024.
Governor Uzodimma, who attended the event, expressed his delight at hosting the flag-off and called on the pilgrims to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria.
“As you journey to the Holy Land, carry Nigeria at heart. Pray for peace, pray for Mr. President, for additional and incremental wisdom by God,” Uzodimma told the departing pilgrims.
Abia State joins pilgrimage efforts
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, also extended his best wishes to the pilgrims. He emphasized the pilgrimage as a journey of spiritual renewal, urging participants to return transformed and inspired to do good in their communities.
NCPC commends federal and state support
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the NCPC, used the occasion to appreciate both President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their unwavering support of the Christian pilgrimage initiative.
He noted that this was the first time in Imo State’s history that a batch of Christian pilgrims would be airlifted directly from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, a feat made possible through government collaboration.
About 350 intending Christian pilgrims from Imo and Abia States boarded the flight to Israel and Jordan, marking a milestone in the decentralization of the pilgrimage airlift process.
Bishop Adegbite also praised the SGF for his effective supervision of the NCPC and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that all pilgrims return safely and fulfill the spiritual mission of the trip.
