You’re not just JP holders, you’re Jesus people, NCPC Executive Secretary, Bishop Adegbite tells pilgrims

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The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), held the Jerusalem Pilgrimage (JP) Ceremony and Certificate Award Presentation for the 2nd batch of Christian Pilgrims to Jordan and Israel, marking the successful completion of their spiritual journey to the Holy Land.

The solemn ceremony took place in Nazareth, one of the most significant biblical cities, and was attended by Nigerian pilgrims drawn from Borno State, Bauchi State and other states of the federation, officials of the Commission, representatives of the Nigerian Embassy in Israel, and stakeholders in pilgrimage operations.

This was contained in a statement by Kande Ibrahim of NCPC Media and Public Relations from Nazareth, Galilee.

In his address, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, gave glory to God for His guidance and protection throughout the pilgrimage, describing God as “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who has been, who is, and who will continue to be.”

He commended the pilgrims for their discipline and exemplary conduct, noting that no negative incident was recorded throughout the pilgrimage.

Bishop Adegbite reminded the pilgrims that their visit to sacred sites—including Bethlehem, Nazareth, Gethsemane, Calvary, and the Resurrection sites—should translate into renewed faith, godly living, and positive contributions to Nigeria upon their return.

“You have walked where Jesus walked; now go back and live what you have learned for the good of Nigeria and the glory of God,” he said.

The NCPC boss also expressed condolences over the passing of a pilgrim cleric shortly after arrival in the Holy Land, while assuring all pilgrims of continued prayers for safe return to Nigeria.

He conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, the Vice President, and the NCPC Board, affirming that the Federal Government remains proud of the pilgrims.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Skyrise Travel Agency, Mrs. Lydia Tabar, reaffirmed the agency’s vision of making Christian pilgrimage more than a journey of belief, but one of faith, service, love, and responsibility.

She highlighted Skyrise’s longstanding commitment to pilgrimage operations in Israel, tracing it to her family’s legacy in Nazareth dating back to 1961.

Also delivering remarks was the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Israel, Mr. Ode Ikwe, who commended NCPC for its organization and pastoral care, and praised the pilgrims for being worthy ambassadors of Nigeria in the Holy Land.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of JP certificates to the pilgrims amid prayers, thanksgiving, and joyful celebration.

The pilgrims are expected to return to Nigeria on January 19, 2026, bringing with them renewed spiritual insight and a commitment to national unity and moral renewal.