By Samson Adeyanju
Assumin office as the 4th substantive Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite has promised that he would use his new position to drive positively the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola TInubu’s administration.
Making the promise recently during an interview granted to the press and further revealed in a press release signed 1st February, 2024 by the Deputy Director and Head Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, the new NCPC boss described his coming to NCPC as” divine, a new dawn and a renewed hope for NCPC”.
Assuring that there would be satisfaction for everyone, Bishop Adegbite affirmed that he has the cognate experience to lift NCPC to greater heights, having been in the Pilgrimage circle for more than two decades.
“My wealth of experience will be brought to bear in NCPC”, the Bishop said emphasizing that Israel remains the ultimate Pilgrimage destination for all Nigerian Christians.
He urged every Christian to continue to pray fervently for peace in Jerusalem. “We are going to reopen Jerusalem gate very soon”.
Relying on his familiarity with the terrain of his new line of appointment and members of staff of NCPC, the Bishop further assured that the NCPC staff could now heave a sigh of relief now that the Lord has made it possible for him to superintend over the affairs of the Commission, because he would ensure that the staff get what they deserve.
The NCPC Chief Executive then maintained that he has every cause to add value to NCPC and would carry everyone along to the glory of God.
The new NCPC boss promised to serve the new board with dignity as the Secretary and be a servant leader to all.
According to Bishop Adegbite, “If I don’t follow the way of Christ, I will be a failure. …We are in this assignment of our Lord Jesus Christ together, therefore my appointment is to the glory of God “.
It would be recalled that Bishop Adegbite’s appointment by President Bola TInubu, GCFR was formally announced on the 10th of January, 2024 by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale alongside eight other new board members of the Commission.
His appointment took effect from 4th January, 2024 and is for a term of five years in the first instance according to the provisions in the NCPC enabling Act of 20007.
He reported at the NCPC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, 31st January, 2024 with two newly appointed board members of the Commission representing North Central and South South geo political zones, respectively, members of the Clergy amongst others.
Prior to his appointment, Bishop Dr Stephen Adegbite was the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, he also doubles as the Metropolitan Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ikeja-Lagos State. He was also a Former Director of Planning and Strategy to the Immediate Past CAN President, His Eminence, Dr Supo Ayokunle for six years as well as a Former Member of the last NCPC Board where he represented CAN. The new NCPC boss is a Doctorate Degree Holder.
