By Celestine Toruka
The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has said that he and his team are determined to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy in NCPC He disclosed this in Lagos on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu, at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.
He affirmed that his assignments and tasks in NCPC are beyond pilgrimage. Thus, according to him,” the Commission provides a veritable platform to foster peace and to ensure peaceful co-existence among our people.”
Bishop Adegbite reiterated that the only thing that we need in Nigeria is prayer, noting that the economic downturn facing Nigeria currently would soon be a thing of the past.
He described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a visionary leader who has impacted positively in the lives of people and in the development of Lagos State. He maintained that the President means well for Nigeria and should be supported by all by praying for the success of his administration.
In his words; “we will continue to uphold him and Lagos state in our prayer”, he said.
He appreciated Mr. President for considering him worthy of his appointment as the Executive Secretary of NCPC. The NCPC boss reaffirmed that by his appointment, he has become the first from South West to occupy the exalted position and the first Bishop to head the Commission.
Bishop Adegbite informed that he and his team decided to visit the Governor of Lagos State first because charity, they say, begins at home. He thanked the Governor for his dynamic and exceptional leadership. According to him,” the Governor is proactive, unassuming and articulated.”
He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu and his team for the infrastructural development they have brought to bear in Lagos State which is visible and palpable even to the blind.
He commended him specially for the red line rail which would be formally commissioned by President Bola Tinubu this week.
In his remarks, the Governor of Lagos State who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat thanked the NCPC boss for making Lagos his first port of call since his assumption of office at NCPC, stating that he is their own and would remain so.
He assured the NCPC boss that Lagos State would continue to support both Christian and muslim pilgrimage. According to him, “Lagos will keep supporting pilgrimage because we believe in the essence of prayer”, he said.
He admitted that a lot has happened in Nigeria in the past, but something is being done to correct it by the present administration of President Bola Tinubu. His words, “Nigeria was injured, but this is the time for the surgery and it is being done by professionals”.
Governor Sanwo Olu reiterated that the people of Lagos State voted them at the last election because they wanted a better life, hence the massive infrastructural development being put in place by the government.
The courtesy visit was graced by the Chairman Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Lagos Board Secretary Mrs Florence Gbafe, Director of Administration NCPC, Barr. Sonny Ebiyaibo, Mr Sunday Udeh, Director of Operations, Mr. Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director/ Head Media and Public Relations as well as the Head of Protocol NCPC, Pastor Stephen Adewara.
