Adegbite praises pilgrimage, urges Christian journalists to maintain professional integrity

Stanley Ihedigbo

Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has praised the conduct and spiritual significance of the recent pilgrimage, urging Christian journalists to uphold professionalism, truth, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking at the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN), 5th Annual Lecture, Anniversary Celebration, and the official unveiling of its new name and logo, the Methodist Church Nigeria Bishop underscored the spiritual and socioeconomic value of Christian pilgrimages.

Quoting Psalm 84:5, he described pilgrimage as both a faith-deepening journey and a contributor to national growth.

Adegbite broke down the value of pilgrimage into its motives, the activities involved, and the role of tourism in faith-centered travel.

He emphasized four major national benefits: infrastructure development, opportunities for private travel operators, revenue generation, and the merging of spiritual growth with economic advancement.

“Pilgrimage offers tangible spiritual and material benefits — from insurance cover to retirement opportunities and even vacation support,” he said.

The event, themed “Socioeconomic Benefits of Pilgrimage to the Nigerian State,” drew government officials, clerics, media leaders, and Christian tourism advocates, marking a major milestone in ACCoN’s mission to professionalize Christian journalism and deepen the link between faith and national development.

The event featured, keynote speech, robust panel session, an interactive forum, and spiritual reflections.

It was supported by Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Time to Fly, Oasis of Faith, Divine Majesty Ministry, and Unique Travels and Tours.

In a warm goodwill message, Chairman of ACCoN’s Board of Trustees, Bishop Charles Ighele, praised the association for maintaining professionalism and balance in reporting church matters.

“You have walked a delicate rope, not destroying the Church, yet not ignoring areas needing correction,” he said.

He prayed for divine empowerment, financial increase, and renew strength for Christian journalists to practice the profession with courage and integrity.

Earlier in his welcome address, ACCoN President, Adeola Ogunlade, described the gathering as a recommitment to the association’s mandate.

“Our mission as Christian journalists is not merely to report,” he said, “but to edify, clarify, and preserve truth in a world clouded by misinformation.”

He acknowledged ongoing debates over public funding of pilgrimages but stressed that ACCoN’s focus was on exploring the spiritual, moral, cultural, and economic impacts of pilgrimage rather than fueling controversy.

Ogunlade also unveiled the association’s future aspirations, including: a permanent secretariat, a Christian media resource library, a conference hall, and an endowment fund for the annual Christian reporters’ award.

He disclosed that discussions were underway to collaborate with the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) to jointly host the awards, a project expected to cost at least ₦1 million.

As ACCoN marks its fifth anniversary, members say the association is evolving beyond reporting church affairs to contributing meaningfully to policy debates on faith, culture, and tourism