No Nigerian pilgrim will abscond in Israel, NCPC assures

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has assured that no Nigerian pilgrim will abscond during the 2025 pilgrimage exercise in Israel.

Adegbite gave the assurance in a statement issued after leading a delegation, comprising members of the House of Representatives and ground handlers, to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a bilateral meeting.

The statement, signed by Mr. Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations at NCPC, was made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

He explained that the meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Jerusalem, focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel.

I am assuring that the Commission will maintain zero abscondment of Nigerian pilgrims in Israel and uphold transparency in its dealings,” Adegbite stated.

The NCPC boss expressed gratitude to the Israeli Ministry for its cooperation in ensuring a safe and secure environment for Nigerian pilgrims.

He also highlighted the unprecedented participation of about 100 members of the House of Representatives in the Executive Pilgrimage, expressing optimism that the initiative would become a recurring event.

Responding, Tania Berg-Rafaeli, Director of the West and Central Africa Division at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended Adegbite for his visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

She praised Nigerian pilgrims for their good conduct and pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy in Israel and NCPC to foster robust relations.

Berg-Rafaeli further hinted at a potential Bilateral Air Service Agreement between both nations.