Adegbite hails pilgrimage, as Christian Journalists urged to uphold integrity
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, came alive recently as the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) hosted its 5th Annual Lecture, Anniversary Celebration, and the official unveiling of its new name and logo.
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 support 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.
Delivering the keynote address, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), 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.
In a warm goodwill message, Bishop Charles Ighele, Chairman of ACCoN’s Board of Trustees, 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
