The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has assured that no Nigerian pilgrim participating in the 2025 pilgrimage to Israel will abscond during the holy exercise. This assurance was given by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, during a strategic engagement with Israeli authorities.
Bishop Adegbite, who led a high-powered delegation comprising members of the House of Representatives and ground handlers, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday. The statement, signed by Mr. Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations at NCPC, emphasized that the Commission has put in place effective mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and discipline throughout the pilgrimage process.
According to him, the bilateral meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, was aimed at strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and Israel, especially in the area of religious tourism. He stressed that the Commission remains committed to ensuring that the pilgrimage exercise is carried out smoothly, without any record of irregularities that could damage Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted that previous fears of pilgrims absconding during such trips would not be experienced in 2025, as the NCPC has improved its monitoring and documentation procedures. He noted that the Commission is working closely with security agencies, ground handlers, and the Israeli authorities to ensure a seamless operation and prevent any abuse of the pilgrimage privilege.
Adegbite commended the longstanding ties between Nigeria and Israel, describing the pilgrimage as not just a spiritual exercise but also a platform to deepen bilateral relations. He assured that both countries would continue to collaborate closely to make the pilgrimage a life-changing experience for Nigerian Christians while safeguarding national integrity.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on its part, reaffirmed its readiness to support Nigeria in the smooth execution of the 2025 pilgrimage. The ministry expressed confidence in the measures put forward by the NCPC and assured that all necessary facilities and logistics would be made available to ensure a successful exercise.
With the new arrangements, the NCPC is optimistic that the 2025 pilgrimage will not only serve as a spiritual upliftment for pilgrims but also as a model for efficient organization, discipline, and international cooperation.
