Tinubu, Uzodimma Warn Pilgrims Against Absconding As Nigeria Flags Off Delayed Easter Pilgrimage

President Bola Tinubu, alongside Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Alex Oti of Abia State, have issued a strong warning to Nigerian Christian pilgrims embarking on the 2025 Delayed Easter Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan: return home.

The officials, joined by the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rt. Rev. Prof. Stephen Adegbite, emphasized the importance of patriotism and dignity during the spiritual journey, urging pilgrims not to abscond during their stay in the Holy Lands.

The warning was delivered Wednesday at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, during the official flag-off ceremony for the pilgrimage.

Representing President Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described pilgrimage as a “spiritual journey of faith” and a “platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.”

He urged the approximately 1000 participating pilgrims to return to Nigeria with their groups, emphasizing the potential for positive contributions to society based on their experiences.

“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,” Akume stated, reiterating the President’s support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages and underscoring prayer as a sustaining force for Nigeria.

The NCPC has implemented strict measures to minimize cases of 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,” Akume added.

Governor Uzodimma, who sponsored 1,000 pilgrims from Imo State this year (as he did in 2023), echoed the President’s sentiments. He implored the pilgrims to use the opportunity to seek the face of God and pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.

“As you journey to the Holy lands carry Nigeria in your heart, pray for peace, prosperity, unity, and the President,” he urged.

He also assured the pilgrims that their needs, including estacodes and allowances, would be met in Israel and Jordan.

Representing Governor Oti, the Abia State Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, challenged the pilgrims to reflect on their motivations for undertaking the pilgrimage, urging them to view it as more than just a tourist excursion.

Bishop Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the NCPC, 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.

He also commended Governor Uzodimma for his support and lauded his commitment to the things of God.

The event featured prayers for the Body of Christ, peace in Nigeria and the Middle East, a successful pilgrimage, and for Nigerian leaders.

The highlight was the formal flag-off by Senator Akume, assisted by Governor Uzodimma, Bishop Adegbite, and other key stakeholders.

President Tinubu, speaking through his representative, acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians due to recent government policies but assured them that “there will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel.”

He also highlighted the administration’s progress in youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security.

He emphasized that the theme of the pilgrimage, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event was attended by numerous dignitaries from within and outside Imo State.