NCPC BOSS NAMES GOV. HOPE UZODINMA THE PILGRIMAGE AMBASSADOR
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has named Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State the Pilgrimage Ambassador. The announcement was made on October 9, 2025, during the presentation of Jerusalem Pilgrims Certificates to the last batch of NCPC delayed Easter Pilgrimage comprising mainly Imo pilgrims at King Solomon Hotel, Tiberias, Israel.
In a release by Celestine Toruka, the Deputy Director and Head of Media Relations, Bishop Adegbite commended Governor Uzodinma for his consistency in sponsoring pilgrims to the Holy Land, highlighting his commitment to uplifting the spiritual well-being of Imolites. According to the NCPC boss, “the Governor sponsored 1,000 pilgrims to the Holy Land in 2023 – many thought he did that because he was seeking re-election; this year again he has sponsored 1,000 even when he is not seeking for anything.” Bishop Adegbite revealed that as Pilgrimage Ambassador, Governor Uzodinma would help coordinate other Governors to advance Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.
The NCPC boss lauded President Bola Tinubu for setting a precedent in pilgrimage in Nigeria, being overwhelmingly supportive to both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, stating that his support for pilgrimage is unprecedented. He also thanked the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering support to Mr. President and for playing significant roles in Nigeria’s history. Bishop Adegbite also applauded Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for their contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
Additionally, the NCPC boss appreciated the Charge D’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Israel, Mr. Ezekiel Ikwe, for representing Nigeria well in Israel despite challenges. He also thanked the Chairman of Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev Fr Gilbert Alaribe, the ground handlers – President of Lourdes, Mr. Simon Makhlourf, and CEO of Aerologistics, Revd Okey Ikeri – for a well-coordinated pilgrimage exercise. Bishop Adegbite specially appreciated the last batch of Imo pilgrims for their good conduct, stating they are unique because their presence in Israel amid the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement is providential.
Earlier, the Charge D’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Israel, Mr. Ezekiel Ikwe, thanked the NCPC boss for his visionary leadership, commended the Imo pilgrims for living up to expectations, and assured the Embassy will continue securing and protecting Nigerian pilgrims and Nigerians in Israel. He admonished pilgrims to avoid tarnishing Nigeria’s image while in the Holy Land.
