Chidimma Uchegbu – Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has stressed that prayer is the real essence of pilgrimage.
He made this assertion during the airlift of the 13th and last batch of intending Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Administration of NCPC, Barr. Sonny Ebiyaibo, Bishop Adegbite urged the intending Christian pilgrims to pray fervently at the various holy sites, stating that prayer is key to a successful pilgrimage exercise.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka stated that the NCPC Boss reiterated that the spiritual content of pilgrimage must be maintained at all times, emphasizing that pilgrimage is not for leisure.
The NCPC boss enjoined the pilgrims to pray for those in authority in Nigeria and for the well-being of the country and its citizens.
He also reminded them to see themselves as true representatives of Nigeria in the holy land, irrespective of their state of origin. “You are all Ambassadors of Nigeria in the holy land,” he said.
In his remarks, the Board member representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Board of NCPC, Amb. Martin Adamu, emphasized that the intending Christian pilgrims should use the pilgrimage to renew their faith in God and return spiritually fulfilled.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Nlia, who was also an intending pilgrim, commended President Bola Tinubu for his overwhelming support for the NCPC, which has enabled the Commission to successfully airlift pilgrims from the first to the last batch. He also praised Bishop Adegbite for his effective and visionary leadership.
Among the intending Christian pilgrims was the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Daju Kachollom. Over 350 intending Christian pilgrims made up the last batch, who are expected to return to Nigeria on 30th March 2025.
This last batch marks the end of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise, which commenced on 22nd December 2024.
