By Ngozi Nwankwo
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has reiterated that pilgrimage is a spiritual journey of faith, not mere tourism.
Adegbite made this assertion during the airlift of the 11th batch of intending Christian pilgrims comprising mainly Plateau State contingent to Israel and Jordan at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on 9th March, 2025.
The NCPC boss, who spoke through the Director of Administration of the Commission, Barr. Sony Ebiyaibo, urged the intending Christian pilgrims to be purposeful and have faith that the Lord would answer all the intentions of their hearts as they pray in the Holy Land.
He further enjoined them to shun any act of distractions and not embark on a shopping spree while in the Holy Land, stating that it is a well-organized pilgrimage where pilgrims would have a specific time to buy souvenirs for their loved ones.
Adegbite emphasised that the Commission has a robust cordial relationship with Plateau State, considering the fact that the state is one of the most pilgrimage-friendly states in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Wanson Bagu, called on the pilgrims to remain loyal and committed. “Do not imitate the wrong things, and be a good Christian,” he said.
He added, “We are going there on a mission; we will not fail our leaders.”
Bagu commended the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite for effective leadership and excellent coordination of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.
He further urged the intending Christian pilgrims to endeavor to pray for the leaders in Plateau State and also pray for President Bola Tinubu for God’s divine wisdom as he pilots the affairs of the country.
Over 300 intending Christian pilgrims were airlifted, which was the third set of Plateau State contingents to be airlifted to the Holy Land in the NCPC 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise.