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  • Adegbite urges Christian pilgrims to stay focused during their exercise 

    Adegbite urges Christian pilgrims to stay focused during their exercise 

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has reiterated that pilgrimage is a spiritual journey of faith rather than mere tourism. 

    He urged the intended pilgrims to remain focused and avoid any form of distraction during the exercise. 

    He made this assertion during the airlift of the 11th batch of intended Christian pilgrims, primarily comprising the Plateau State contingent heading to Israel and Jordan at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on 9th March 2025.  

    Bishop Adegbite, who was represented by the Director of Administration of the Commission, Barr. Sony Ebiyaibo encouraged the intended Christian pilgrims to be purposeful and to have faith that the Lord would answer all the intentions of their hearts as they pray in the Holy Land. He emphasised that there is no better place than Israel for God to answer prayers. 

    Read Also: Adegbite urges Christians to uphold justice, fairness during lent 

    He stressed that the Commission has a robust and cordial relationship with Plateau State, noting that the state is one of the most pilgrimage-friendly in Nigeria. Therefore, he admonished them not to let their leaders down. 

    The Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Wanson Bagu, called on the pilgrims to remain loyal and committed. 

    “Do not imitate the wrongdoings and be a good Christian,” he stated. He added, “We are going there on a mission; we will not disappoint our leaders.” 

    Rev. Bagu commended the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite for its effective leadership and excellent coordination of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan. 

    He further urged the intending Christian pilgrims pray for the leaders in Plateau State and President Bola Tinubu, asking God to grant him divine wisdom as he guides the country’s affairs. 

    Over 300 intending Christian pilgrims were airlifted, marking the third group of Plateau State contingents to be airlifted to the Holy Land in the NCPC 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise.

  • Adegbite urges Christians to uphold justice, fairness during lent 

    Adegbite urges Christians to uphold justice, fairness during lent 

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has called on Christians in Nigeria to uphold justice and fairness during the Lenten season.

    In his Ash Wednesday message, Bishop Adegbite emphasised the importance of putting God at the center of their fasting and prayers. 

    “When you fast, you must uphold justice and fairness, God must be at the centre of it all,” he said.

    Bishop Adegbite explained that Lent is a period of sober reflection, abstinence from food, water, and other pleasures, observed for forty days and forty nights. 

    Read Also: Adegbite lauds Nwifuru on Christian pilgrim sponsorships

    He encouraged Nigerians to continue praying together, regardless of their religious affiliations, highlighting the significance of interfaith harmony.

    The NCPC boss specifically called for prayers for President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other top government officials, seeking God’s wisdom and direction for them.

  • Prayer sustains Nigeria, says NCPC boss Adegbite

    Prayer sustains Nigeria, says NCPC boss Adegbite

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has underscored the significance of prayer in preserving Nigeria’s unity and stability. 

    Speaking during the airlift of the 9th batch of Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Adegbite emphasised that Nigeria, as a deeply religious nation, benefits greatly from spiritual devotion.

    He stated that no amount spent on pilgrimage is wasted, as prayer remains the nation’s sustaining force. 

    He urged the pilgrims to pray fervently for Nigeria, its government, and its citizens while in the Holy Land. 

    Read Also: NCPC boss Adegbite advocates for Christian impact in politics

    Bishop Adegbite commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to religious inclusivity, highlighting his support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages. He assured the travelers that their journey would be spiritually transformative. 

    “You are going to be spiritually rejuvenated; nobody goes to the Holy Land and returns without outstanding testimonies,” he said.

    The NCPC boss also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for sponsoring disadvantaged Christian leaders from both northern and southern Nigeria on the pilgrimage.

    He called on the pilgrims to be exemplary ambassadors of Christ, Nigeria, and their respective states. 

    Adegbite further expressed satisfaction with the smooth progress of the 2024 main pilgrimage exercise, assuring that all necessary logistics were in place for a hitch-free journey. 

    The next batch of pilgrims, mainly from Nasarawa State, includes Christian leaders, consular officers, and top government officials.

  • NCPC boss Adegbite advocates for Christian impact in politics

    NCPC boss Adegbite advocates for Christian impact in politics

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has emphasised that Christians can make a positive impact in politics and government.

    Adegbite made this statement during a courtesy visit from the Boys Brigade of Nigeria, a Christian organization that mentors boys, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

    He shared his connection with the organization, having been a part of it in his youth, and promised to continue supporting them.

    “The Bible says when the righteous are in government, the people rejoice, as Christians, we can bring a unique perspective and values to the political sphere, and make a positive impact on our nation”, he said.

    Read Also: NCPC celebrates Adegbite’s one year leadership

    National President of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Prof. Samson Duna, congratulated Bishop Adegbite on his first anniversary in office. He described the NCPC boss as a worthy ambassador of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria.

    “The Boys Brigade of Nigeria is proud to celebrate Bishop Adegbite on his first anniversary in office,” said Prof. Samson Duna, National President of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria.

    “He has been a worthy ambassador of our organization, exemplifying the values of leadership, service, and integrity”, he said.

    Prof. Duna further solicited partnership between the Boys Brigade and the Commission, especially in the area of assisting the elderly during pilgrimage, amongst others.

  • NCPC celebrates Adegbite’s one year leadership

    NCPC celebrates Adegbite’s one year leadership

    The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has celebrated the one-year anniversary of Bishop Stephen Adegbite’s leadership as Executive Secretary.

    Adegbite was appointed as the fourth substantive Chief Executive of the Commission on January 4, 2024, and formally assumed office on February 5, 2024.

    He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Vice President Senator Kasim Shettima for the confidence reposed in him.

    He commended the management and staff of the Commission for the unwavering support, emphasising that teamwork is essential for progress. “A tree cannot make a forest,” he said.

    Read Also: FG reaffirms commitment to peace, security

    Adegbite assured that the Commission will continue to prioritise Israel as the ultimate pilgrimage destination and maintain its stance on zero abscondment of pilgrims.

    He emphasised the importance of good conduct among pilgrims, stating that anyone traveling with the Commission must be a good ambassador of Nigeria.

    The celebration featured the unveiling of a special edition of the Nigerian Pilgrim Magazine, goodwill messages from dignitaries, and the cutting of an anniversary cake.

    Prominent guests, including Ambassador Dr. Simon Dolly, Senator Rev Amos Yohanna, and Pastor Timothy Ademola of the Renewed Hope Agenda, attended the event at the NCPC Corporate headquarters in Abuja.

  • Adegbite visits Jerusalem Pilgrim widow Ogunkanmi

    Adegbite visits Jerusalem Pilgrim widow Ogunkanmi

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) Bishop Stephen Adegbite has paid a condolence visit to the widow of late Jerusalem Pilgrim, Pastor Magistrate Olasanmi Ogunkanmi at their Ikorodu residence in Lagos.

    Late Magistrate Olasanmi Ogunkanmi, 58, performed his last pilgrimage exercise to Jerusalem with the first batch of Lagos pilgrims, filled with excitement and satisfaction. On his return on 1st January, 2025, he slept but never woke up.

    The Executive Secretary sympathised with Mrs Ogunkanmi over the sudden demise of Magistrate Ogunkanmi, urging her to have faith in God and be rest assured that the deceased has gone to rest in the bosom of his maker.

    Read Also: NCPC achieves zero tolerance on abscondment – Adegbite

    Adegbite added that it was not an accident that late Magistrate  Ogunkanmi died the night he successfully returned from performing holy pilgrimage in Jerusalem which makes his death providential.

    “Your husband lived a well fulfilled life on earth, it is therefore not how long one lives on earth that matters but how well,” he said.

    The remains of late Magistrate Olasanmi Ogunkanmi will be buried on February 8, 2025 in Lagos after a service of songs on February, 6. 

  • NCPC achieves zero tolerance on abscondment – Adegbite

    NCPC achieves zero tolerance on abscondment – Adegbite

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adeboye has affirmed that the commission achieved its zero-tolerance stance on abscondment.

    Adegbite made this disclosure on Monday 13, 2024 during the airlift of the third batch of Christian pilgrims at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. 

    He expressed satisfaction that the first two batches of pilgrims returned safely from the holy land without any incidents of abscondment.

    “Pilgrimage is purely a spiritual exercise and not a jamboree or tourism,” Bishop Adegbite emphasized. “I urge the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria, their states, and the government while in the holy land.”

    Read Also: Adegbite urges Christian Pilgrims to embrace spirituality over material wealth

    The Chairman of the NCPC Board, Rt. Rev. Prof. Msgnr Cletus Gotan, emphasised the importance of prayer during the pilgrimage. “I urge the intending pilgrims to leverage on the opportunity of the pilgrimage and pray for their well-being, states, and the nation,” he said.

    Federal Commissioner representing North Central in the Board of NCPC, Dr. Simon Dolly, called on the intending pilgrims to develop a positive mentality about the leaders of the nation. “I charge you to pray for the leaders of our dear nation in the holy land,” he said.

    The third batch of intending Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan consists mainly of the Plateau contingent, made up of about 300 intending pilgrims.

  • Adegbite urges Christian Pilgrims to embrace spirituality over material wealth

    Adegbite urges Christian Pilgrims to embrace spirituality over material wealth

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has emphasised the importance of embracing spirituality over material wealth.

    Speaking in Bethlehem during the Jerusalem Pilgrim award ceremony for the second batch of Christian pilgrims, Adegbite noted that spirituality cannot be quantified with money.

    He urged pilgrims to adopt a more spiritual lifestyle, prioritizing faith, community, and personal values.

    “In a world that often prioritizes material wealth, it is essential to remember that true joy and fulfillment come from meaningful relationships and spiritual development,” Adegbite said.

    The Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Israel, Mrs. Nonyelum Afoekelu, lauded Adegbite for  smooth and hitch-free pilgrimage exercise.

    “The Executive Secretary is truly a dedicated Chief Executive. He has shown so much passion to the service of God and the nation, Nigeria. He was here last October to ensure everything was set on the ground for the welfare and safety of all Nigerian Christian pilgrims who will come here for pilgrimage.”

    I want to also appreciate all pilgrims for their good behavior, so far we have recorded zero abscondment. I enjoin you all to always pray for our dear nation Nigeria,” She said. 

    The Chief Executive Officer of Ophir Tours, Mr. Israel Goldstein, commended Bishop Adegbite for his leadership and emphasized the positive diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Israel/Jordan, praying for more collaboration in the future.

  • Pigrimage a spiritual journey, says Adegbite

    Pigrimage a spiritual journey, says Adegbite

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has declared that the pilgrimage outlook in Nigeria has changed, emphasising that pilgrimage is a spiritual journey.

    Adegbite spoke during the airlift of intending pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. 

    He assured the pilgrims of a wonderful 10-day experience in the Holy Land land, stating that the journey will be “spiritually rejuvenated.”

    The NCPC boss reaffirmed that Jerusalem remains the ultimate pilgrimage destination of the Commission. 

    He also disclosed that the Lagos pilgrims, who were the first batch to embark on this year’s main pilgrimage exercise, had “brought good tidings to Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Adegbite tasks Christian pilgrims on good conduct

    Adegbite appreciated  President Bola Tinubu’s support for pilgrimage, stating, “I believe Mr. President is on the right path to take us out of the woods.”

    Speaking on the theme of this year’s main pilgrimage exercise, “Pilgrimage of renewed hope for total restoration,” Adegbite said it was carefully chosen to align with the desired restoration of the country.

    He admonished the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, urging them to “be proud of your citizenship.”

    The FCT pilgrims, consisting of approximately 337 individuals, were the second batch to be airlifted after Lagos.

  • Adegbite tasks Christian pilgrims on good conduct

    Adegbite tasks Christian pilgrims on good conduct

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has tasked the first set of Christian pilgrims in the holy land to conduct themselves decently in character, conduct, and spiritual life following their new title of Jerusalem Pilgrims (JP).

    Bishop Adegbite, who spoke through the Federal Commissioner representing South West in the Board of the Commission, Hon Barr. Omowumi Ogunlola, made this known during the JP ceremony organized for the first set of Christian pilgrims of the Main pilgrimage exercise in Nazareth. 

    He emphasized the importance of living an exemplary life of testimony, shunning negative tendencies, and emulating a lifestyle that others can follow.

    “I urge you to ensure that your new title of Jerusalem Pilgrims reflects in your character, conduct, and spiritual life. Live an exemplary life of testimony so that others can emulate your lifestyle and shun negative tendencies,” Bishop Adegbite said.

    The NCPC boss commended the pilgrims for living up to expectations and encouraged them to finish well. 

    He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for facilitating this year’s Main pilgrimage exercise, despite the challenges posed by the Hamas militant group’s attack on Israel last October.

    Read Also: Adegbite charges youths on career

    Bishop Adegbite further appreciated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Sanwo-Olu, for his continued support for Lagos pilgrims. He affirmed the Commission’s commitment to rendering quality service to Nigerian pilgrims, in line with its mandate and corporate slogan, “Service and Satisfaction.”

    The General Manager of Tabar Tour, Miss Shadia Scrour, described the event as a special day for the company. She further appreciated President Bola Tinubu and Bishop Adegbite for their visionary leadership and making it possible for this year’s Main Pilgrimage exercise to take place.

    The Acting Charge de Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy in Israel, Mr. Ode Ikwe, congratulated the pilgrims and expressed optimism about the success of the pilgrimage exercise. 

    He noted that the Embassy is happy to receive positive reports about the pilgrims, which is a testament to the Commission’s stance on achieving zero abscondment of pilgrims.

    The Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, thanked God for the opportunity to return to the holy land of Israel. 

    He noted that the last time their pilgrims were in the holy land was in October 2023 when the war broke out.

    Bishop Johnson applauded the staff of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board for their commitment and hard work. He expressed optimism that future pilgrimages would continue to grow in leaps and bounds.