Tinubu urged Nigerian pilgrims not to run away during the holy journey

The President of the Tinubu soccer has warned Nigerian Christian pilgrims who travel to Israel and Jordan against escaping, emphasizing that “There are no countries like Nigeria.”

The President, represented by the Federation Government Secretary, Senator George Akume, issued a warning on Wednesday at the International Kargo Airport Sam Mbakwe, Otowerri, during the flag-off from the Nigerian Easter Pilgrimage (NCPC) 2025 postponed the Easter pilgrimage.

Tinubu asked pilgrims to uphold patriotism and dignity in all of their spiritual exercises, emphasizing that those who failed again with their groups were at risk of losing their respect and honor abroad.

“It is important at this point to warn Christian pilgrims who intend to show patriotism when they begin this spiritual journey,” he said. “You must not reflect on abscondment in your mind because there are no countries like Nigeria. After you remain illegal, you automatically lose all your respect and dignity.”

The President urged the participants to return to their batch at the end of the pilgrimage, adding that their contribution was needed to help build “egalitarian society where no one was oppressed.”

Tinubu also highlighted the commission efforts to overcome abscondment under the leadership of Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite. According to him, NCPC has reached abscondment cases that are almost zero in pilgrimage conducted since December 2024.

Re-emphasizing the commitment of his government to the spiritual and moral welfare of the Nigerians throughout the religion, Tinubu noted that the theme of the pilgrimage this year, “Pilgrimage from new hopes for total recovery,” in line with the new hope agenda, which seeks to improve the quality of life of citizens.

Recognizing economic tensions caused by government reform, he convinced the Nigerians about a brighter future. “There will definitely be light at the end of the dark tunnel,” he said.

The president praised Adegbite for organizing four successful pilgrims within two years and congratulated him for his new appointment as a priest of the State Council. He also praised the Governor of the IMO state, Hope Uzodinma, for sponsoring 1,000 Christian pilgrims this year, matching his contribution in 2023.

This year’s Easter pilgrimage, delayed due to increasing tension in the Middle East, will last 10 days. The government has subsidized training, with each pilgrim is expected to pay N4.5 million.