President Bola Tinubu has cautioned Nigerian Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel and Jordan against absconding, stressing that ‘there is no country like Nigeria’.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the warning on Wednesday at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, during the launch of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s 2025 Delayed Easter Pilgrimage.
He urged the pilgrims to show patriotism and dignity throughout the spiritual journey, warning that those who refuse to return with their groups would lose respect and dignity abroad.
He said,“It is important at this point to admonish the intending Christian pilgrims to show patriotism as they embark on this spiritual journey.
“You should not contemplate abscondment in your minds because there is no country like Nigeria. While in Nigeria, you have your freedom and you will be recognised in your own little way. But once you stay behind illegally, you have automatically lost all your respect and dignity.”
He continued, “I therefore, urge you to ensure you return with your batch at the end of your pilgrimage exercise so that you can join forces with the government to build an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.”
According to the statement, the President also noted that the NCPC, under the leadership of Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, had implemented stringent measures to curb abscondment.
“It is equally germane to reiterate that NCPC under the leadership of Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite has put all mechanisms in place to check abscondment. It will interest you to know that the commission in all its pilgrimages from December last year to date has been able to achieve almost zero abscondment, so be warned,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the spiritual and moral well-being of Nigerians across all religions.
He said the theme of the pilgrimage, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens.
While acknowledging the economic difficulties caused by recent government reforms, Tinubu gave assurances of a better future. “There will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel,” he said.
Tinubu praised Adegbite for organising four successful pilgrimages within two years and congratulated him on his recent appointment as Chaplain of the State House Chapel, calling him “a man of proven efficiency.”
He also commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for sponsoring 1,000 Christian pilgrims this year, matching his 2023 contribution.
This year’s Easter pilgrimage was delayed due to heightened tensions in the Middle East. The journey is expected to last 10 days, with the government subsidising the cost and pilgrims required to pay ₦4.5 million each.
Credit: punchng.com
