You Are Not Merely JP Certificate Holders, You Are Jesus’ People — Bishop Adegbite Tells Pilgrims

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has successfully conducted the Jerusalem Pilgrimage (JP) ceremony and certificate presentation for the second batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims to Jordan and Israel, marking the completion of their spiritual journey in the Holy Land.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Kande Ibrahim of the NCPC Media and Public Relations Department and made available to journalists.

The solemn ceremony took place in Nazareth, one of Christianity’s most significant biblical cities. It drew pilgrims from Borno State, Bauchi State and other parts of the country, alongside officials of the Commission, representatives of the Nigerian Embassy in Israel and other key stakeholders in pilgrimage administration.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Professor Stephen Adegbite, expressed deep gratitude to God for His protection and guidance throughout the pilgrimage. He described God as “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who has been, who is, and who will continue to be,” while commending the pilgrims for their discipline and exemplary conduct, noting that the exercise was concluded without any negative incident.
Bishop Adegbite stressed that the spiritual encounter at sacred locations such as Bethlehem, Nazareth, Gethsemane, Calvary and the Resurrection sites should translate into renewed faith, upright living and positive contributions to national development upon the pilgrims’ return to Nigeria.
“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 admonished.
The NCPC boss also expressed condolences over the death of a pilgrim cleric shortly after arrival in the Holy Land, while assuring the pilgrims of continued prayers for their safe journey back home. He conveyed goodwill messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady, the Vice President and members of the NCPC Board, reaffirming that the Federal Government is proud of the pilgrims.
In her remarks, the Chairman of Skyrise Travel Agency, Mrs Lydia Tabar, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Christian pilgrimage remains a journey grounded in faith, service, love and responsibility. She recalled Skyrise’s long-standing involvement in pilgrimage operations in Israel, tracing it to her family’s roots in Nazareth since 1961.
Also speaking, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Israel, Mr Ode Ikwe, commended the NCPC for its effective coordination and pastoral care, while praising the pilgrims for representing Nigeria with dignity in the Holy Land.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of JP certificates to the pilgrims, accompanied by prayers, thanksgiving and joyous celebrations.
The pilgrims are scheduled to return to Nigeria on January 19, 2026, carrying renewed spiritual insight and a strengthened commitment to national unity and moral renewal.