◾As Imo Governor assures of support to more persons next year
◾NCPC says he may win ‘Ambassador of Pilgrimage ‘ award again
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed commendation for Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to the spiritual upliftment and infrastructural development of the state.
The President stated this Wednesday at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State during the flag-off ceremony of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s (NCPC) 2025 Delayed Easter Pilgrimage Exercise to Israel and Jordan.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu described pilgrimage as “a spiritual journey of faith” and a “platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.”
He urged the pilgrims to return home with their groups at the end of the exercise, confident that the experiences they gained during the trip would help them contribute positively to building “an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.”
While lauding Governor Uzodinma, for sponsoring 1,000 Christian pilgrims this year, the President used the opportunity to highlight his administration’s support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages.
He stated that “prayer remains a sustaining force for Nigeria” while reiterating his government’s commitment to promoting religious harmony.
His words: “It is important at this point to admonish the intending Christian Pilgrims to show patriotism as they embark on this spiritual journey. You should not contemplate abscondment in your minds because there is no country like Nigeria. While in Nigeria, you have your freedom and you will be recognized in your own little way. But once you stay behind illegally, you have automatically lost all your respect and dignity.
“I therefore, urge you to ensure you return with your batch at the end of your pilgrimage exercise so that you can join forces with the government to build an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.
“It is equally germane to reiterate that NCPC under the leadership of Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite has put all mechanisms in place to check abscondment. It will interest you to know that the Commission in all its pilgrimages from December last year to date has been able to achieve almost zero abscondment, so be warned.”
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Uzodimma thanked President Tinubu for his interest in the physical and spiritual well-being of citizens and for his commitment to a better country.
Sen. Uzodimma highlighted the efficacy of prayers, using what happened to Imo State before now and where the State is now, as a case study. He admonished the pilgrims to see the exercise as an opportunity to seek the face of God, pray for the State and the Country, warning them not to escape.
His words: “We will work against any abuse. As you journey to the Holy lands carry Nigeria in your heart, pray for peace, prosperity, unity, and the President (for additional wisdom and guidance).”
Governor Uzodimma assures that by next year more persons would be supported to go to pilgrims, saying ” we have relative peace in Imo State.”
He encouraged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the State and Country, assuring that all their needs in the Holy lands would be met including their estacodes and allowances.
“You will not lack anything in Israel or Jordan. Come back as new individuals, earn dignity and respect, renew the hope, which is the wisdom, go and follow your destiny. I wish you safe trip”, he said.
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Oti, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, told the pilgrims not to see the trip as a mere tourist exercise.
He encouraged them to ask themselves why they want to go on pilgrimage rather than see or take it as any other journey.
The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop (Prof.) Stephen Adegbite thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady, Sen Remi Tinubu, Governor Uzodimma and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume for their commitment towards the spiritual upliftment of the Nigerian citizens.
Adegbite lauded Governor Uzodimma for being exemplary in the way he takes the things of God, stressing that though the Governor was awarded the Ambassador of Pilgrimage in Nigeria by the NCPC last year chances of the Governor getting the same honour this year are very high.
He described Uzodimma as “a wonderful Governor, leader par excellence, great man by all standards, beckon of hope for Imo, Pilgrimage and Nigeria.”
Adegbite also joined in urging the pilgrims to see the trip as purely a spiritual one and apply themselves accordingly.
Highpoint of the event was the official flag off of the exercise by the President’s representative, Sen Akume assisted by Governor Uzodimma and Bishop Adegbite among others.
