President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated the 2024 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, with the first airlift of pilgrims taking place on Sunday at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The event was marked by a ceremony where the president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, encouraged pilgrims to use the journey as an opportunity to strengthen their faith.
In a statement by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, shared on the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission’s official X handle, the president highlighted the theme of the pilgrimage, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration.”
He explained that it aligns with his administration’s vision and agenda.
“Pilgrimage is not just a journey; it is a spiritual exercise to renew and deepen one’s faith,” Tinubu said, as conveyed by Akume. “I urge you to pray for Nigeria, Lagos State, and your families. Let this pilgrimage be a time of spiritual renewal for the progress and unity of our nation.”
The president also cautioned against absconding while on the pilgrimage, emphasizing the value of patriotism. “Nigeria is our home, and there is no place better than home. I encourage all pilgrims to return with a sense of purpose and commitment to our country’s development,” he added.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, welcomed the pilgrims and noted that this exercise was the first under his leadership since assuming office in February 2024.
He assured the pilgrims of excellent service delivery while urging them to conduct themselves with humility and decorum.
“We are committed to ensuring that the pilgrimage is smooth and enriching for everyone involved. However, let me make it clear that absconding is strictly prohibited. Any pilgrim caught will face severe consequences, including blacklisting of their guarantors,” Adegbite warned.
The event concluded with the airlift of 260 pilgrims from Lagos State, marking the start of the 2024 pilgrimage. Adegbite expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support of the NCPC’s efforts to facilitate pilgrimages for Nigerians.
