President Bola Tinubu, officially inaugurated the 2024 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan during a flag-off ceremony held on Sunday at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu urged the pilgrims to use the journey as an opportunity to deepen their faith and pray for Nigeria’s progress.
He emphasized the theme of the pilgrimage, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” as reflective of his administration’s vision and agenda.
“There is no better place than home,” Tinubu stated, cautioning pilgrims against absconding during the pilgrimage.
He also called on them to pray for Lagos State, Nigeria, and their families.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, highlighted the importance of the pilgrimage in fostering spiritual growth and national development.
He described the pilgrimage as a time for humility and decorum, urging pilgrims to exhibit exemplary conduct.
Adegbite warned against absconding, stressing that violators and their guarantors would face severe consequences, including blacklisting and public exposure.
The first batch of 260 pilgrims from Lagos State, alongside 90 officials, embarked on the journey, marking the beginning of the 2024 pilgrimage exercise.
Adegbite, who took office in February 2024, expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his support in ensuring the smooth operation of pilgrimages.
He reassured pilgrims of excellent services, emphasizing the NCPC’s commitment to its mandate under the 2007 enabling Act of the National Assembly.
This year’s pilgrimage underscores the government’s dedication to fostering religious harmony and spiritual renewal among Nigerians.
