Adegbite Charges Imo Pilgrims on Christlike Living

By Chinedu Echianu

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite has urged pilgrims from Imo State who recently returned from the Holy Land to see themselves as Ambassadors of Christ and live lives that reflect the spiritual lessons of their pilgrimage.

The charge was delivered in Bethlehem on January 28, 2026, during a certificate presentation ceremony marking the successful conclusion of the pilgrimage exercise.

The Executive Secretary was represented at the event by Mr. Sati Fwenji, Deputy Director and Head of the NCPC South-South Zonal Office, at a ceremony that formally commissioned the pilgrims into what was described as a higher level of spiritual responsibility.

According to the NCPC boss, pilgrimage is incomplete without visible transformation in character, renewed faith, and godly conduct. He urged the returnees to allow their Holy Land experience to translate into integrity in their workplaces, love and patience in their homes, and upright living within their communities and across Imo State.

He also commended the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma for his consistent commitment to the spiritual welfare of the people, noting that the governor’s financial and moral support has enabled many citizens—especially those who could not otherwise afford the journey—to fulfil their lifelong dream of visiting the Holy Land.

The gesture, he said, represents a deliberate investment in the spiritual rebirth and moral strengthening of the state.Explaining the significance of the certificates presented to the pilgrims, the NCPC Executive Secretary likened the ceremony to a convocation.

While stressing that the certificates are not academic qualifications, he noted that they carry deep spiritual meaning while also describing the title Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP) as 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, Mr. Ezekiel Ikwe, expressed delight at hosting the third batch of pilgrims and said it was an honour to associate with the Imo State delegation.

He praised the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct during their stay in Israel, describing reports received as “heartwarming,” and urged them to remain worthy 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 lauded the Imo State Governor 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.