President Bola Tinubu has cautioned Nigerian Christian pilgrims traveling to Israel and Jordan against absconding, urging them to conduct themselves with patriotism and dignity during the 2025 Delayed Easter Pilgrimage.
The President, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, issued the warning on Wednesday at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, during the flag-off of the pilgrimage organised by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).
Tinubu described pilgrimage as a journey of faith and moral transformation, stressing that participants should return home with their groups at the end of the exercise. “There is no country like Nigeria,” he said, adding that those who abscond abroad risk losing their dignity and recognition.
He commended NCPC under Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite for achieving near-zero cases of abscondment in recent exercises, noting that strict measures remain in place to sustain the record. He also reaffirmed his administration’s support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, highlighting prayer as a sustaining force for the nation.
The President linked the theme of the exercise, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” to his Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring Nigerians that ongoing reforms, though tough, will yield positive results. He cited progress in youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security, including reductions in insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry.
Tinubu also praised Adegbite for successfully organising four pilgrimages in two years and congratulated him on his recent appointment as Chaplain of the State House Chapel. He further lauded Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for sponsoring 1,000 pilgrims this year, matching his contribution in 2023.
