President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to creating an environment where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, creed, or region, can thrive effectively.
President Tinubu who stated this at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, Imo State, while flagging off the 2025 Easter Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan for Abia and Imo state pilgrims, noted that his administration recognizes the immense role of religion in fostering moral discipline, unity and development and will keep supporting pilgrimages as avenues for spiritual renewal and national reawakening.
The President represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, commended the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, the leadership of Abia and Imo States and all stakeholders who have made this year’s Easter Pilgrimage possible, also charged the pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors of the nation, uphold discipline and dignity throughout their journey and return with renewed commitment to building a nation that works for all.
In his speech, the Governor, Dr Alex Otti, reminded the pilgrims that the essence of embarking on the Pilgrimage is to seek spiritual renewal, deepen their faith and return with renewed strength to contribute positively to society, adding that the journey to the Holy Lands of Israel and Jordan is not a mere excursion but a sacred opportunity for prayers, reflection and a closer walk with God.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, further charged the pilgrims to remain disciplined and law-abiding throughout the exercise as they carry the image and reputation of the state wherever they go and also encouraged them to return as good ambassadors, bringing back not only testimonies of personal spiritual growth but also renewed zeal to support the progress and development of the State.
“This pilgrimage is not merely a journey to historic sites but a spiritual awakening, a call to reflection and an invitation to deepen your faith in God.
“Our pilgrims, you’re going to walk the paths where prophets, apostles and our Lord Jesus Christ himself walked and in doing so, you will return with renewed minds and strengthened spirits.” He stated.
Also speaking, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, appreciated President Tinubu for flagging off the 2025 Easter Pilgrimage in Owerri and for his unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is already transforming lives across the nation.
He described the presence of the President in Imo as not just a boost to the spiritual exercise but also a strong testament to his passion for the wellbeing of the citizens and cautioned the pilgrims against absconding while abroad, but to focus on the essence of the journey.
In his welcome address, the National Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Board,
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to pilgrimage activities and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, transparent and spiritually rewarding exercise for all participants.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of Imo State Pilgrims Board, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for flagging off the 2025 Easter Pilgrimage in Imo, describing it as a great honor to the state as well as thanked Governor Hope Uzodinma and Governor Alex Otti for their unwavering support and commitment to the success of the exercise.
The flag off ceremony which featured prayers, choral renditions also attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru among other top government officials.
