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Tag: Christian pilgrims

  • FCT first Batch of Christian pilgrims, four states to depart Jordan

    FCT first Batch of Christian pilgrims, four states to depart Jordan

    The first batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims is scheduled to depart Jordan today, signaling the beginning of the return journey for participants of this year’s pilgrimage exercise.

    According to the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), the contingents are participants of the 2025 delayed Easter Pilgrimage exercise from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benue, Edo, Taraba and Ondo and states.

    They are expected to be airlifted back to Nigeria after successfully completing their spiritual activities in Jordan.

    Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Rt. Rev. Stephen Adegbite, who was represented by the spiritual leader of the contingents, Bishop Raphael Nwankwo, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the pilgrims during their stay in the Holy Land. 

    He assured that adequate logistics and safety measures had been put in place to ensure a seamless airlift.

    “The commission has worked closely with our partners in Jordan as well as Nigerian authorities to guarantee the safety and comfort of our pilgrims. We are confident that this first batch will arrive home safely, and subsequent flights will follow in quick succession,” he said.

    Read Also: INEC clears 65 candidates from 17 parties for 2026 FCT area council elections

    Medical personnel and officials of the NCPC are accompanying the pilgrims to provide continuous support until their arrival in Nigeria.

    This year’s Christian pilgrimage attracted hundreds of faithful from across the country, who embarked on the spiritual journey to retrace biblical sites, strengthen their faith, and pray for Nigeria’s peace and development.

    Also Speaking, the Director FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Gloria Dandam commended the pilgrims for orderly conduct during the tour of the Holy sites.

    Dandam equally noted that the commitment of the officials of both the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and NCPC was key to the seamless exercise. 

  • Lalong urges Christian pilgrims to be good ambassadors

    Lalong urges Christian pilgrims to be good ambassadors

    Leader of the 7th batch of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) 2024 Main pilgrimage exercise, Senator Simon Lalong, has urged Christian pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and Plateau State while in the holy land.

    Speaking during the airlift of the 7th batch of intending Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Senator Lalong reminded the pilgrims to pray for President Bola Tinubu, the less privileged, and the government that sponsored their pilgrimage.

    “A lot of things happen when you pray for Nigeria, your state, and yourself. Do not spoil the name of Nigeria, Plateau State, and be good pilgrims,” he said.

    Senator Lalong further emphasised the importance of praying for Christian leaders in Nigeria, unity, and God’s grace to overcome temptations. 

    Read Also: NCPC urges christian pilgrims to embrace christ-centered living

    He urged the pilgrims to pray for permanent peace in Israel, the Middle East, and the entire world.

    The federal commissioner representing North Central on the Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Ambassador Dr. Simon Dolly, reaffirmed the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance on abscondment, he urged the pilgrims to cooperate with each other while in the holy land and to pray for the leaders in government, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Rev. Wanson Bagu, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, reminded the pilgrims that they would be traveling as ambassadors of Christ, Nigeria, and Plateau State. 

    He urged them to maintain a good reputation while in the holy land, stating that “abscondment cannot solve any problem.”

  • 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.

  • First batch of Christian pilgrims arrives Lagos from Isreal, Jordan 

    First batch of Christian pilgrims arrives Lagos from Isreal, Jordan 

    The first batch of Lagos State Christian pilgrims returned safely to Lagos on January 1, 2025, around 10:00pm following a successful pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.

    At the welcome ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission expressed his joy at the exercise’s success, noting that the journey began and ended in joy. He hoped other states would follow suit.

    He said: “We thank God for the safe landing of our people who went to the Holy Land, we thank God for bringing them back, and they arrived on the first day of the first month in 2025, they have brought blessings into the country. 

    “They have prayed for 10-days, and we pray that all their prayers will be answered, we pray that they will be good ambassadors for the country. 

    We also use this medium tho appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their immense support through the pilgrimage journey, we pray that all their plans and reforms result to great and huge success.” he said. 

    Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters, Very Revd Adebukola Adeleke, and Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, also expressed gratitude to God for journey mercies.

    The Lagos State Board Secretary, Mrs. Yetunde Gbafe, thanked God for the hitch-free exercise and acknowledged improvements at the Jordan-Israel border, appreciating the NCPC, ground handlers, and Nigerian Embassy’s intervention.

    Read Also: Adegbite tasks Christian pilgrims on good conduct

    She further announced that the second batch of Lagos pilgrims will depart soon.

    “The hitch-free exercise is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the NCPC, ground handlers, and the Nigerian Embassy. We thank God for the improvements at the Jordan-Israel border, and we look forward to the departure of the second batch of Lagos pilgrims.”

    The newly inducted Jerusalem Pilgrims (JPs) expressed satisfaction with the spiritually rejuvenating exercise and top-notch welfare provided by the Lagos State Government.

    Revd Dr. Stephen O. Bolarinwa (JP), one of the newly inductees expressed his gratitude to God and appreciation to the Lagos State Government, he noted that the induction was not just an honor but also a call to greater service and responsibility.

    “I am deeply grateful to God , the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Emmanuel Olotu and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ojokoro LCDA Chapter for giving me this platform that i am riding upon, this induction is not merely a recognition but a profound call to greater service and responsibility.

    It was a great experience to visit various Biblical sites, pray and personally for me I feel honoured to be Baptisted in the river Jordan where my Lord Jesus was also baptised.” he said. 

  • 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.

  • Christian pilgrims pray for Nigeria’s peace, progress in Nazareth 

    Christian pilgrims pray for Nigeria’s peace, progress in Nazareth 

    The first set of Christian pilgrims in the holy land arrived in Nasareth, Israel, on December 28, 2024, as part of the 2024 main pilgrimage exercise. 

    The group, comprising mainly pilgrims from Lagos state converged in Tabar Hotel in Nasareth for a combined Sunday service. 

    The service featured a Bible lesson read by Hon. Mrs. Omowunmi Ogunlola, Federal Commissioner representing southwest in the Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC). 

    The lesson, taken from Joel 2:18-27, dwelled on God’s restoration of Israel’s glory.

    Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, delivered a sermon titled “Restoration of Nigerian Hope.” 

    He emphasised the need for collective prayer and cooperation with God to restore Nigeria’s glory.

    The pilgrims offered prayers for Nigeria, its leaders, and citizens, seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and restoration. 

    Read Also: ‘Community seeks peace, unity’

    The prayers focused on the restoration of Nigeria’s glory, guidance and wisdom for leaders, circumcision of leaders’ hearts for sacrifice and service, and grace for leaders to finish strongly.

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

    Deputy Director who also doubles as Head, Media and Public Relations Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Celestine Toruka, shared that one of the purposes of the pilgrimage journey was to intercede for the country. 

    The first set of Christian pilgrims have been in the holy land for seven days, having departed Nigeria on 22nd December, 2024. 

    The pilgrimage exercise continues with prayers and reflections on the theme “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration.”

  • NCPC boss urges pilgrims to pray for President Buhari in holy land

    NCPC boss urges pilgrims to pray for President Buhari in holy land

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Ujah, has urged Christian pilgrims from Borno to pray for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari while in the holy land.

    The Executive Secretary made the call while bidding the first batch of Christian pilgrims to Israel farewell from the Aminu Kano International Airport on Friday.

    Uja said, “The President, who is in United Kingdom for a medical checkup, needs your prayers for a speedy recovery to enable him to continue with the good work he has started because you are now traveling to a holy land.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the journey, which took place at about 1:30 a.m., had 130 pilgrims from Borno.

    While urging the pilgrims to be good ambassadors, he also warned them against absconding at the holy land.

    Uja commended the Borno Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, for sponsoring the 130 pilgrims and urged other northern governors to emulate the gesture.

    He said the gesture was “to heal a people that unnecessary war had ravaged.’’

    The secretary praised the governor for his commitment and purpose in spite of the years of security challenges in the state and the entire North East.

    He urged the northern governors to give equal treatment to Christians in their land because such was capable of uniting the two religions.

    “I want all the northern governors to establish the Christian Pilgrims Commission in their states to make traveling easy for the pilgrims,” he said.

    Before their departure, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno Chapter, Bishop Naga Williams, commended Shettima for sponsoring the pilgrims.

    He also commended the Kano State Government for doing same for Christians in the state.

    According to him, the gesture by the two states is worth commendation because it is an indication that both Islam and Christianity are one.

  • FG to stop sponsoring of Pilgrims by 2022

    …Christian pilgrim’s to embark on pilgrimage on 9th May

    The Federal Government Wednesday said it will stop sponsoring Christian pilgrims to holy land in five years’ time.

    Also, to prevent people from using pilgrimage as an Avenue to abscond to other parts of the world, the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) said it will develop an electronic data capturing system.

    This was disclosed in Abuja Wednesday by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Uja Tor Uja when he inaugurated Metropolitan and Zonal Coordinators to make movement and funding of the whole pilgrimage process easier.

    Uja also disclosed that over 1000 pilgrims will embark on pilgrimage on the 9th of May.

    On the essence of the inauguration, he said: ” We want pilgrimage to stop depending so much on government.

    “Our target is that in the next five years, NCPC should be completely free of government support of any kind.

    “With a proper strategy and work plan in place, we should be able to generate our funds by mobilizing and effectively carry our pilgrims to the promise land and back and by also ensuring that pilgrimage is beneficial to our nation, spiritually and also in socio-economically.

    “So we have raised the metropolitan zones that are focusing on major cities in Nigeria and that is why we have Lagos, Sokoto, Awka, Kano, Asaba, Abuja and Gombe which we consider as some of the most vibrant places.

    He further said: “We want them to work with the government, businessmen and womenband above all the churches and leadership in those places to plan for pilgrimage and to make NCPC self-sufficient.

    “They will finance it and to make NCPC self-sufficient and we believe that we can achieve this with proper things in place.

    “All we ask of the government is that they should support us for five years and with our work plan of five years, NCPC will be free of government support for the next generations.”

    He also urged Nigerians and church leaders to sponsor and not abandon pilgrimage to the government alone.

    On efforts made to prevent people from using pilgrimage as an Avenue to abscond, he said: “We are talks with Israeli government and they promised to send us a partnership team who are experts.

    “They will use facilities we have and also ask us to buy some if needed in order for us to have  global data capturing system that we can use to track our people wherever they are and whatever be their situation.

    “It will prevent the way pilgrims use it as opportunity to abscond.”

    On when this year’s pilgrimage will commence, Uja said: :It was supposed to be in April but unfortunately when we were processing the visa, the entire Israel was on ten day holiday and they just resumes last week from holiday. We have sent our materials for visa and we can only start the pilgrimage by 9th May and we are flagging it off in Lagos.

    “We have over 1000 people who are going on Easter pilgrimage and we are going to finish it in May. 900 are going to Israel and about 200 are going to Rome and Greece.

    “We are finishing it in May because by July, we intend to flag off the women pilgrimage. We don’t want the pilgrims to take much time”

  • Lagos introduces part payment for pilgrimage

    Lagos State Government on Monday announced the introduction of part payment plan for people of the state willing to embark on pilgrimage to Israel.

    The state government also planned to reward religious leaders who are able to mobilize up to 50 members of their religious organization for pilgrimage with one slot each.

    The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, who stated these at a press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, said due to the harmonious relationship among the religious bodies in the state, government has also approved pilgrimage to Israel by any Muslim willing to do so.

    Speaking further on the payment plan, Abdul-Lateef said: “Today, we are commencing the sale of forms for the Christian pilgrimage on a new note. In response to the economic recession, the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the payment for pilgrimage to Israel, Rome and Greece on installment basis. So, Lagosians can begin to pay for pilgrimage with any amount.

    “The price for Israel is N580, 000 but if anyone intends to combine Israel with Greece and Rome, the price is N720, 000. With the commencement of the ‘Pay Small Small’ we expect that Lagosians will take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that most of the things they have read in the Bible, they go to Israel and see.

    “We also urge Muslims that from this month, we will be accommodating Muslims who intend to visit Jerusalem because Jerusalem is home to the third holiest mosque.”

     

  • Buhari okays N160 to $1 for Christian pilgrims

    Buhari okays N160 to $1 for Christian pilgrims

    president Muhammadu Buhari has approved N160 to $1 exchange rate for the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission’s (NCPC) operations.

    The commission’s Executive Secretary, John Keneddy-Opara, told State House correspondents after briefing Buhari on the commission’s activities at the State House, Abuja.

    He said: “As you are aware, he has approved $1 to N160 for the conventional exchange rate for this pilgrimage operation and he also agreed that he will continue to encourage us, particularly as we drive to ensure self-sustenance, to make sure that the pilgrims are able to pay for the pilgrimages by removing government sponsorship.

    “This is a journey and we are sure that we are going to succeed. So, he was very happy with the entire process. We are praying that God will help us to be a source of strength to Mr.

    President, so that the Federal Government and states will spend the necessary resources on other things while the pilgrimage is self-funding as time goes on.

    “We are already running four pilgrimages in one year. The first is the Easter pilgrimage, which has passed, the Youth Pilgrimage which we termed operation catch them young, the family pilgrimage and the overall pilgrimage. For those going to Israel for the 11 days trip, it is N379,840 and for the youth pilgrimage, it is going  to cost N357,000.”

    Nigerians on pilgrimage, he noted, can now undergo skill acquisition programme organised by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission and Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture, towards training them in the area of agriculture.

    He added: “We are introducing the pilgrimage pilot lottery scheme that will enable people who are lucky to be able to go on this trip without much dependence on the state and the Federal Government.”

    He said he was in the State House to brief the President on the activities of the commission.

    “I came to brief the President on the activities of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission. Earlier, my colleague, the Chairman of Hajj Commission had come to brief him.

    “I had to tell him where we are and how we started the commission and where we are today and our prayers. I want to say that the President was very happy with the commission and he said the commission has done very well.”