Andy Eyo, Executive Director of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), gave the advice in Uyo during the February reading session of the Uyo Book Club, where the book “The Crumb Eaters” by Martins Akpan was reviewed.

As the Special Guest reader, Eyo encouraged Nigerians to reject a life of “eating crumbs” amidst plenty by engaging fully in the electoral process to ensure the election of leaders who prioritize citizens’ economic welfare.

He called on book club members to take the message to the streets and educate the public on the dangers of selling their votes, stressing that active civic participation could lead to leaders addressing unemployment, inflation, agriculture, education, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

“As you have read ‘The Crumb Eaters’ today, I urge you to go into the communities and enlighten people about the importance of voting wisely. When citizens vote for leaders who take meaningful steps to improve living standards, the masses will no longer be left eating crumbs,” he said.

Book reviewer Dr. Eyo Etim highlighted that while many authors from Akwa Ibom State produce quality works, most are not available online, limiting their reach and recognition by institutions such as WAEC, UTME, and schools nationwide. He encouraged authors to make their works more accessible for wider readership.

He added, “‘The Crumb Eaters’ by Dr. Martins Akpan stands out for its unique style and literary relevance, using various literary techniques to convey its message, and I highly recommend it to readers.”

Dr. Udeme Nana, founder of the Uyo Book Club, praised the author for his creativity and the themes explored in the book, noting that if voters continue to exercise their civic responsibilities without selling their votes, Nigeria would become a better country.

Stephen Adegbite, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, made the announcement in Lagos during a press briefing shortly after about 500 pilgrims returned to Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise.

The 2025 pilgrimage began on December 29, 2025, with its inaugural flight departing from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Over 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims were successfully airlifted to the Holy Land without incident. The NCPC deployed a Boeing 777-300 with a seating capacity of 525 for the exercise, marking the largest aircraft ever used for a Nigerian Christian pilgrimage.

Adegbite explained that recent military developments in Israel and the wider Middle East have necessitated the suspension of further pilgrimages.

“You are aware of the latest security developments in Israel and the wider Middle East. In view of the state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities and restrictions on public gatherings, the Commission has decided to put on hold all pilgrimages, both organized by the Commission and private operators, until the security situation stabilizes,” he said.

He stressed that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain the Commission’s top priority and warned against any protests or actions that could worsen the crisis.

“The suspension will remain in effect until international travel to Israel is deemed safe. The Federal Government prioritizes peace and security, and we urge Nigerians to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could compromise national security or diplomatic relations,” Adegbite added.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unprecedented support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimage exercises, acknowledging the contributions of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in ensuring the success of the 2025 pilgrimage.

Adegbite called on Christians and peace advocates to continue praying for stability in Jerusalem and across the Middle East to avert a potential humanitarian crisis.

He shared his experience during a church service at Streams of Joy International, led by Pastor Jerry Eze, in Abuja. A video of his testimony has since gone viral on social media.

Johnson explained that for five years, no producer or director contacted him for work. “The film industry isn’t like a regular office job where you can ask why you lost a position,” he said. The silence was painful, he added, because he received no explanation—he simply stopped getting calls. Despite this, he maintained his faith and continued to trust God.

The extended break prompted him to move to Abuja to attend church prayer programmes. Although some colleagues warned him that Abuja isn’t a major film hub like Lagos, Johnson stayed committed to the gatherings.

He revealed that his career began to turn around in early 2026. Since January, he has already featured in twelve projects and received invitations for film work abroad, with upcoming trips to Germany and the United States. He expressed gratitude for these new opportunities.

During the service, Johnson also spoke about his daughter’s health struggles, sharing that she had faced a serious illness but has since improved.