The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite paid his first courtesy visit to the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Michael Freeman at the Israeli Embassy in Asokoro, Abuja on 6th February, 2024 .
He informed his host that Israel remains the major pilgrimage destination for all Nigerian Christians as such any other destination is secondary.
According to him, ” Israel is our pride in Africa and Nigeria in particular, we pray for the peace of Israel everyday and we will continue to pray for peace in Israel so that we can continue our pilgrimage exercise in the land of the Bible.
The NCPC helmsman further stated that Nigerians visit Israel so well, not just because of spiritual impact alone, but also for agricultural purposes and exposure to the advanced technology in Israel.
He explained that the Embassy of Israel was his first port of call after his assumption of office on 5th February, 2024.
According to him” because this is our primary home , we cannot run pilgrimage without visiting Israel”, he said.
The No 1 Christian Pilgrims officer of the Federation solicited for the Ambassador’s cooperation and assistance in facilitating
the issuance of visas to intending pilgrims for smooth running of our pilgrimage operations.
The NCPC boss was very excited to hear from the Ambassador that Israel has opened its borders to international travels.
In the words of Bishop Adegbite, : ”I am so happy to hear that Israel will soon open, yesterday during my assumption I spoke by faith that Israel will open soon, and this is a confirmation that God is working ”, he said.
He assured His Excellency that with the good news of the opening of Israeli borders to international travels, the Commission would prepare to visit.
He hinted that the Commission plans to take some executive christians in government on pilgrimage to Israel, stating that the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Sen.Oluremi TInubu would lead the contingent during Easter this year.
In his remarks, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Michael Freeman said:” I think you have done well visiting Israel first, I bring you good news, Israel is open and ready to take the Nigerian groups”.
He assured the NCPC boss that the Embassy would cooperate with the new leadership of NCPC in the area of visa procurement by making the process seamless.
The Ambassador affirmed that the Embassy has strong confidence in the mechanism put in place by NCPC for the selection of intending pilgrims to Israel.