Holy Land returnees decorated, charged to live transformed lives
By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has formally commissioned returning pilgrims from Imo State as Ambassadors of Christ, charging them to translate their Holy Land encounter into visible character change, moral leadership and godly living back home.
The charge was delivered in Bethlehem on January 28, 2026, at a solemn but celebratory certificate presentation ceremony marking the successful conclusion of the pilgrimage exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCPC, the Deputy Director and Head of the South-South Zonal Office, Mr. Sati Fwenji, told the pilgrims that the journey to the Holy Land would be meaningless if it did not result in inner transformation and outward righteousness.
“You are no longer ordinary travellers,” he declared. “You are ambassadors of Christ. Your conduct at work, your attitude at home, and your lifestyle in society must now reflect the lessons of the Holy Land.”
Fwenji stressed that pilgrimage is not a sightseeing tour but a spiritual commissioning, urging the returnees to allow their experience in Jerusalem and Bethlehem to shape their integrity, patience, love and commitment to upright living across Imo State.
He described the certificates presented to the pilgrims as spiritually symbolic, likening the ceremony to a convocation.
While not academic qualifications, he said the certificates confer a sacred identity, the title Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP) which comes with responsibility.
“This is not a title for decoration,” he warned. “It is proof of an encounter with God and a call to live differently.”
The NCPC representative also praised the Executive Governor of Imo State for prioritising the spiritual welfare of the people through sustained financial and moral support for pilgrimage sponsorship.
He noted that the gesture had opened doors for many citizens especially those from humble backgrounds to fulfil a lifelong spiritual aspiration.
According to him, the Governor’s commitment represents a strategic investment in the moral renewal and spiritual strength of the state.
Earlier, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Tel Aviv, Mr. Ezekiel Ikwe, expressed delight at hosting the third batch of Imo State pilgrims, describing it as an honour to associate with the delegation.
He commended the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct throughout their stay in Israel, saying reports from relevant authorities were “heartwarming.”
Ikwe urged the new Jerusalem Pilgrims to continue projecting Nigeria’s image positively wherever they find themselves.
In a related address, Chairman of the Imo State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe, applauded the Imo State Government for making the pilgrimage accessible to both urban and rural dwellers.
He described the sponsorship as a compassionate intervention that has deepened faith, touched lives and strengthened Christian unity across the state.
Rev. Fr. Alaribe also highlighted the strong relationship built with the Nigerian Embassy during the pilgrimage, expressing appreciation for the presence and support of embassy officials at the JP ceremonies.
He noted that pilgrims drawn from different backgrounds and states forged bonds of fellowship and friendship, reinforcing the pilgrimage as a shared national Christian experience.
He further attributed the improving security situation in Imo State to the collective prayers offered by pilgrims in the Holy Land, describing the pilgrimage as a continuous altar of intercession for peace, unity and stability in the state and the nation.
The ceremony ended with thanksgiving prayers and a renewed sense of mission, as the pilgrims were formally sent forth, not just as returnees from Jerusalem, but as living testimonies and ambassadors of Christ, commissioned to impact Imo State and Nigeria at large.
