By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
As another aircraft lifted off Nigerian soil bound for the Holy Land, the message to its passengers was unambiguous: this was not a vacation, but a sacred journey meant to transform lives.
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At the airlift of the third batch of Christian pilgrims from Imo and Borno States to Israel and Jordan, the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) issued a firm spiritual charge walk where Christ walked, returning with testimonies.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Director of Administration, Abu Okpanachi, urged the intending pilgrims to approach the pilgrimage with reverence, discipline and deep spiritual consciousness.
“This journey is about faith, not sightseeing,” Okpanachi told the pilgrims. “You are going to retrace the footsteps of Christ. Let it be a time of renewal, reflection and genuine encounters with God.”
He described the pilgrims as highly privileged, noting that their journey had been made possible through a combination of state government support, Federal Government facilitation and personal sacrifice by self-sponsored participants.
That privilege, he said, came with responsibility.
According to him, the essence of the pilgrimage lies not in photographs or souvenirs, but in spiritual transformation prayers answered, faith strengthened and lives redirected toward Christ-like living.
As the pilgrims prepared to traverse historic biblical sites across Israel and Jordan, Okpanachi encouraged them to remain intentional in prayer and conduct, expressing hope that the spiritual seeds planted during the pilgrimage would mature into enduring testimonies long after their return to Nigeria.
Beyond the spiritual charge, the NCPC also emphasised discipline and collective responsibility.
Pilgrims were advised to move in groups, remain vigilant and look out for one another throughout the journey, particularly in unfamiliar terrain.
“Be your brother’s keeper,” Okpanachi said, stressing that safety and order were as important as spiritual devotion.
He assured the pilgrims that NCPC officials were already on ground to provide guidance, coordination and support at every stage of the pilgrimage.
The briefing ended with prayers for divine protection, a spiritually rewarding experience and the safe return of all pilgrims to Nigeria bearing testimonies that reflect not only personal encounters with God, but a renewed commitment to Christian values.
As the aircraft taxied toward the runway, the atmosphere was a blend of anticipation and solemnity.
For the pilgrims, the journey ahead promises more than a change of geography, it is a test of faith, a walk through sacred history, and, as the NCPC insists, an opportunity to return home transformed.
