Tinubu Flags Off 2025 NCPC Delayed Easter Pilgrimage in Owerri

By Chinedu Echianu

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s (NCPC) 2025 delayed Easter Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.

According to a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesman, Celestine Toruka, the ceremony, which took place at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, was performed on the President’s behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

In his remarks, President Tinubu described pilgrimage as a profound journey of faith and commended the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, for his innovative leadership and successful coordination of four previous pilgrimages.

He also praised Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for his consistent support, noting that the governor sponsored 1,000 pilgrims in 2023 and another 1,000 this year.

The President urged the intending pilgrims to remain patriotic and resist the temptation to abscond, stressing that “there is no country like Nigeria.”

Governor Uzodimma, in his goodwill message, charged the pilgrims to pray for peace in Nigeria and for divine wisdom for the President. Similarly, Abia State Governor, Alex Oti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, congratulated the pilgrims and described the exercise as a journey of spiritual rebirth.

Bishop Adegbite, while appreciating both President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their support, encouraged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Christ and of Nigeria.

He also acknowledged Senator Akume’s effective oversight of the Commission.

For the first time in the history of Christian pilgrimage in Imo State, about 350 pilgrims from Imo and Abia were airlifted directly to the Holy Land from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.