TINUBU FLAGS OFF 2025 CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE AS 1,000 PILGRIMS DEPART FOR ISRAEL, JORDAN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

No fewer than 1,000 Christian pilgrims on Wednesday departed the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, for a Holy Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.

The exercise, flagged off by President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, marked the commencement of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s (NCPC) delayed 2025 Easter pilgrimage.

Tinubu described pilgrimage as a “spiritual journey of faith” and a platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth, while cautioning travellers against absconding. He commended the NCPC, led by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, for achieving near-zero cases of abscondment in recent exercises.

“I urge you to ensure you return with your batch at the end of your pilgrimage so you can join forces with the government to build an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed,” Tinubu said.

The President stressed that the theme of the exercise, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve the quality of life for Nigerians. He assured citizens that although some government policies had been tough, “there will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel.”

Tinubu also highlighted his administration’s achievements in youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security, noting progress in reducing insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who sponsored the 1,000 pilgrims, urged them to use the pilgrimage as an opportunity to seek God’s face and pray for peace and prosperity in Nigeria. Similarly, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, encouraged the travellers to see the exercise as a spiritual mission, not a tourist trip.

Earlier, Bishop Adegbite expressed appreciation to Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Uzodimma, and Akume for supporting the spiritual growth of Nigerians.

Prayers were offered for the peace of Nigeria, the Middle East, and the success of the pilgrimage.