The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission has announced the successful conclusion of its 2025 main pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, with the safe return of the final group of pilgrims to Nigeria.
The last contingent of Christian pilgrims arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 4:00 am on Tuesday, marking the end of the exercise.
According to a statement issued by the commission’s Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, for their support.
“Without the President’s support, we would not have been able to conduct the five pilgrimages conducted since my appointment two years ago,” he said.
Bishop Adegbite reaffirmed that the commission placed high priority on the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
He explained that recent developments in the Middle East, including the imposition of a state of emergency in Israel, led to the suspension of all pilgrimage exercises, including those organised by private operators, until the situation stabilised.
He added that the commission was closely monitoring events in the region and appreciated the cooperation of stakeholders and the media. The NCPC Executive Secretary also urged Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and the wider Middle East.
