NCPC to pilgrims: You’re going on spiritual journey, not jamboree

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has advised intending pilgrims to Jerusalem not to view the exercise as a jamboree. 

Adegbite stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while bidding farewell to Christian pilgrims departing for Israel and Jordan for the NCPC’s delayed Easter pilgrims 

He urged the pilgrims to be of good behavior and conduct themselves in an orderly manner during their stay in the Holy Land. 

“What you are going for is a spiritual journey, not a jamboree. I admonish you to avoid embarking on shopping sprees and concentrate on the real purpose of the journey, which is premised on spiritual grounds,” Adegbite said. 

 The NCPC boss also cautioned the pilgrims to be mindful of their meals, noting they should “eat with decorum and etiquette.”

He described the pilgrimage as a period for experiences, assuring them that they would witness “the manifestations of God’s glory” and return with testimonies. 

Adegbite further affirmed that President Bola Tinubu “was not a religious bigot” and had supported both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages.

He urged the pilgrims to uphold the President in prayer, “so that the Good Lord would continue to renew his strength and enable him to finish well in the service of the nation.” 

He also called on them to pray for the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, as she turns 65 on September 21. 

Adegbite encouraged other citizens interested in visiting Israel that the commission would offer assistance to make their journeys possible. 

According to him, about 350 intending Christian pilgrims departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for the Kingdom of Jordan, en route to Israel. The group included pilgrims from Edo, Taraba, Benue, and consular representatives.