President Tinubu Launches 2024 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, Cautions Pilgrims Against Absconding
President Bola Tinubu officially launched the 2024 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, with the airlift of pilgrims commencing on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State. The event was marked by a statement from the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, shared on the Commission’s official social media platform, X (#NGChrisPilgComm).
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu encouraged the pilgrims to view their journey as an opportunity to strengthen their faith in God. He highlighted that the theme of the 2024 pilgrimage, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” reflects his administration’s vision and agenda.
The president also emphasized the importance of prayer, urging pilgrims to pray for the progress of Nigeria, Lagos State, and their families. He cautioned the pilgrims against absconding while in the Holy Land, stressing that “there is no better place than home.”
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the National Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), delivered the welcome address, marking his first pilgrimage as the fourth substantive Secretary of the Commission. He acknowledged the challenges faced since his appointment in February 2024 but reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring smooth and organized pilgrimages. Adegbite urged the pilgrims to demonstrate humility, piety, and decorum throughout their journey and assured them of excellent service from the Commission’s service providers.
He also warned against absconding, emphasizing that such actions would be met with severe consequences, including blacklisting and publicizing the names of absconders and their guarantors.
The statement concluded with details of the first batch of pilgrims from Lagos State, comprising 260 intending pilgrims and 350 officials, who were airlifted as part of the 2024 pilgrimage exercise.
This year’s pilgrimage marks a significant step in promoting religious tourism and unity, underpinned by the support of the Nigerian government and the NCPC’s efforts.
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