Two of Nigeria’s prominent Christian leaders—Archbishop Designate Isaac Idahosa and Bishop Stephen Adegbite—will embark on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in a significant spiritual journey scheduled for April, Apples Bite Magazine has exclusively confirmed.
The religious leaders will visit sacred sites across Galilee, Jerusalem, Jordan, Israel, and other locations of biblical significance. According to sources close to the delegation, their mission extends beyond personal spiritual renewal to include focused prayers for Nigeria and the global Christian community.
Archbishop Designate Isaac Idahosa, the presiding Bishop of God First Ministries Inc., Illumination Assembly, told Apples Bite Magazine in a telephone conversation that the pilgrimage holds special significance in these challenging times. “We are going to walk where Jesus walked and pray where Jesus prayed,” said Archbishop Idahosa. “Our nation and the body of Christ worldwide need divine intervention and guidance, which we seek to obtain through this sacred journey.”
Archbishop Idahosa, who gained national prominence as the vice-presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections alongside Senator Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has maintained his religious duties while engaging in national politics.
Accompanying him on this spiritual expedition is Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2024. Bishop Adegbite also serves as the supervising Bishop for Igbobi College, Lagos, representing the Methodist Church Nigeria.
The appointment of Bishop Adegbite to the NCPC has been viewed as strategic in strengthening interfaith relations in Nigeria. He has been vocal in his support for President Tinubu’s inclusive governance approach, publicly stating that the President “is not a religious bigot” and commending his efforts to promote harmony across religious lines.
The pilgrimage comes at a time when Nigeria faces multiple challenges including economic difficulties, security concerns, and societal divisions. Religious observers note that such spiritual journeys by influential faith leaders often serve to reinforce national unity and provide moral direction.
The delegation plans to visit several historically significant Christian sites, including the Sea of Galilee, the Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha, and the Jordan River, among others. These locations hold profound religious significance for Christians worldwide.
This high-profile religious journey underscores the continued importance of faith-based diplomacy and spiritual leadership in Nigeria’s national discourse. It also highlights the role religious leaders play in shaping public opinion and fostering national cohesion through their international engagements.
The pilgrimage is expected to conclude with the leaders bringing back messages of hope and renewal for their congregations and the nation at large.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.