NCPC Chairman Urges Pilgrims to Uphold Nigeria’s Image as Second Batch Departs

By Chinedu Echianu

Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rt. Rev. Prof. Monsignor Cletus Gotan, has urged intending Christian pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria as the second batch of pilgrims departed for Jordan and Israel.

 

Monsignor Gotan gave the charge on Friday, during the airlift of the second batch of pilgrims at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He said the pilgrimage was made possible through the support of government and key stakeholders, stressing that pilgrims must reciprocate the gesture by upholding Nigeria’s good image abroad.

 

A statement signed by NCPC spokesman, Celestine Toruka quotes the Gotan as saying that the conduct of pilgrims reflects directly on the country, noting that good behaviour enhances Nigeria’s reputation while misconduct damages it.

 

The NCPC chairman assured the pilgrims of adequate arrangements for a smooth and successful journey, explaining that they would transit through Lagos before proceeding to Israel and Jordan. He also offered prayers for journey mercies and a spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

 

Monsignor Gotan warned pilgrims against absconding or engaging in activities capable of tarnishing Nigeria’s image, disclosing that strict monitoring mechanisms had been put in place. He added that sponsors would face severe penalties if any pilgrim failed to return to the country.

 

He appealed to the pilgrims to cooperate with NCPC officials, bus captains and medical personnel who would be on hand throughout the exercise, urging them to remain prayerful, disciplined and Christ-like in conduct. He emphasized that the journey was primarily for spiritual renewal, not leisure.

 

The chairman also cautioned against wasteful habits, particularly in hotels and buffet settings, describing such behaviour as reinforcing negative stereotypes about Nigerians. He encouraged pilgrims to be respectful, modest and considerate, advising them to remain vigilant, humble and obedient to instructions, especially in unfamiliar environments.

 

Monsignor Gotan further assured the pilgrims of the readiness of medical teams and prayed for divine protection, good health and a hitch-free pilgrimage.

 

The second batch of pilgrims is made up mainly of intending pilgrims from Borno and Bauchi states, as well as consular officials.

 

The NCPC had commenced the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise on December 29, 2025, with the deployment of a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with a seating capacity of over 500 pilgrims—the largest aircraft ever used in Nigeria for the airlift of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. The first batch of pilgrims returned safely to Nigeria on January 8, 2026.