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Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) and state pilgrims offices have strengthened collaboration ahead of the 2026 Christian pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan, following resolutions reached at the Conference of State Pilgrims meeting, with Anambra State aligning with the decisions and strategies adopted to ensure the safety, security and welfare of pilgrims.
The resolutions followed a meeting of the Conference of State representatives, where stakeholders reviewed experiences from previous pilgrimage exercises, particularly the challenges encountered during the 2025 exercise, and discussed strategies for a safer, more coordinated and spiritually rewarding 2026 pilgrimage.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Steven Adegbite, highlighted the security challenges and conflicts experienced in the Middle East during the 2025 pilgrimage, noting that the experience further underscored the need to place the lives and welfare of pilgrims above financial considerations.
He assured stakeholders that the Commission would continue to monitor the security situation in Israel before the commencement of operations, while calling for unity, prayers and stronger cooperation between the Commission, state pilgrims boards and other stakeholders.
Adegbite disclosed that Israel and Jordan remain the destinations for the 2026 pilgrimage, which is scheduled to commence in the first week of November and conclude in the last week of December 2026.
He stressed the importance of collective responsibility and preparedness among all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage exercise.
The Chairman of the Conference of States, Bishop David Moradayo, commended the leadership of Adegbite for his handling of the challenges during the 2025 pilgrimage crisis, particularly the swift measures that contributed to the safe return of pilgrims.
He also praised the staff of the NCPC for their professionalism and commitment to the welfare of pilgrims during the difficult period.
The Anambra State Pilgrims Affairs Office, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrims Affairs, Barr. Odira Ezeh, said the state would align with the resolutions and strategies adopted at the Conference of State Meeting as preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage gather momentum.
Ezeh expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, for their continued support towards the welfare and spiritual development of Christian pilgrims from the state.
He called on Christian leaders and intending pilgrims across Anambra State to key into the 2026 pilgrimage exercise, noting that registration and other preparations for the programme have kicked off in line with the resolutions of the Conference of State Meeting.
Ezeh said the Anambra State Pilgrims Affairs Office would continue to work with the NCPC and other relevant stakeholders to implement the resolutions of the Conference and ensure that pilgrims from the state are adequately prepared for the exercise.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to building on the lessons of previous pilgrimage exercises and implementing the resolutions reached at the Conference of State Meeting to ensure that the 2026 programme is safe, orderly and spiritually rewarding for all participating pilgrims.
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