Chidimma Uchegbu -Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has charged returning pilgrims from the Holy Land to see themselves not merely as travellers, but as Ambassadors of Christ whose lives must reflect the values and lessons of their sacred encounter.
Mr. Sati Fwenji, Deputy Director and Head of the South-South Zonal Office, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), gave the charge in Bethlehem during the certificate presentation ceremony for Imo State pilgrims on January 28, 2026, following the successful conclusion of their pilgrimage.
The event formally marked the close of the pilgrimage exercise and the commissioning of the returnees into a higher level of spiritual responsibility.
This was contained in the statement signed by the Principal Information Officer, Godiya Matthew.
According to him, pilgrimage is incomplete if it does not result in visible transformation, renewed faith, and godly conduct. He urged the pilgrims to allow their Holy Land experience to manifest in integrity at work, love and patience at home, and upright living within their communities and the state at large.
The NCPC boss commended the Executive Governor of Imo State for his unwavering commitment to the spiritual welfare of the people, noting that the Governor’s sustained financial and moral support has enabled many citizens—particularly those who would otherwise be unable to afford such a journey—to fulfil their lifelong dream of visiting the Holy Land. He described the support as a deliberate investment in the spiritual rebirth and moral strengthening of Imo State.
Explaining the significance of the certificates presented, the Executive Secretary likened the ceremony to a convocation, stressing that while the certificates are not academic qualifications, they carry deep spiritual weight.
He noted that the title Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP) is a sacred badge that signifies encounter, growth, and responsibility.
“You are stepping into a new spiritual phase,” he said. “This title is not for display; it is evidence of an encounter with God and a call to live differently.”
Earlier, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Tel Aviv, Israel, Mr Ezekiel Ikwe expressed joy at hosting the third batch of pilgrims and described it as an honour to identify with the Imo State delegation.
He commended the pilgrims for their good conduct during their stay in Israel, describing reports received as “heartwarming,” and urged the new Jerusalem Pilgrims to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria by upholding the country’s positive image.
In a related address, the Chairman of the Imo State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe, also praised the Executive Governor of Imo State for making the pilgrimage accessible to people from both urban and rural communities.
He described the sponsorship as a compassionate intervention that has touched lives and strengthened faith across the state.
Rev. Fr. Alaribe highlighted the strong relationship built with the Nigerian Embassy during the pilgrimage, expressing happiness over the presence and support of embassy officials at the JP ceremonies.
He noted that the pilgrimage fostered deeper faith, strong fellowship, and lasting friendships among pilgrims drawn from different backgrounds and several states of the federation, reinforcing the pilgrimage as a collective national Christian experience.
He further attributed the improving security situation in Imo State to the collective prayers offered by pilgrims in the Holy Land, describing the pilgrimage as a continuous platform for interceding for peace, unity, and stability in the state and the nation.
The ceremony ended on a note of thanksgiving and renewed commitment, as the pilgrims were formally sent forth—not just as returnees, but as ambassadors of Christ and living testimonies of the Holy Land experience.
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