NCPC Executive Secretary Names Governor Hope Uzodinma as Pilgrimage Ambassador

Tiberias, Israel – October 9, 2025

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has conferred the title of Pilgrimage Ambassador on Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. The announcement was made during the presentation of Jerusalem Pilgrims Certificates to the final batch of the NCPC’s delayed Easter Pilgrimage, consisting mainly of Imo State pilgrims, at the King Solomon Hotel in Tiberias, Israel.

Bishop Adegbite praised Governor Uzodinma for his unwavering dedication to sponsoring Imo indigenes on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, describing him as a leader committed to the spiritual upliftment of his people. According to him, “The Governor sponsored 1,000 pilgrims to the Holy Land in 2023 — many thought it was politically motivated, but this year, even without seeking any political gain, he has again sponsored 1,000 pilgrims.”

The NCPC boss explained that as Pilgrimage Ambassador, Governor Uzodinma would play a key role in encouraging other state governors to further promote Christian pilgrimage across Nigeria.

Bishop Adegbite also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his remarkable support of both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, noting that his administration’s commitment to religious harmony is unprecedented. He extended appreciation to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her steadfast support of the President and her historic contributions to the nation. The NCPC Executive Secretary also acknowledged Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for their dedication to Nigeria’s progress.

He further lauded the Charge D’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Israel, Mr. Ezekiel Ikwe, for his outstanding representation of Nigeria despite challenges, as well as the Chairman of the Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe. Bishop Adegbite also recognized the efforts of the ground handlers — President of Lourdes, Mr. Simon Makhlourf, and CEO of Aerologistics, Revd. Okey Ikeri — for ensuring a seamless and well-organized pilgrimage exercise.

He expressed deep appreciation to the last batch of Imo pilgrims for their exemplary behavior, describing their presence in Israel amid the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement as providential.

In his remarks, the Charge D’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Israel, Mr. Ezekiel Ikwe, commended Bishop Adegbite for his visionary leadership and thanked the Imo pilgrims for upholding Nigeria’s image. He assured that the Embassy remains committed to safeguarding Nigerian pilgrims and citizens in Israel while urging pilgrims to continue to conduct themselves with dignity.

Signed:
Celestine Toruka
Deputy Director & Head, Media and Public Relations
Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission
October 10, 2025