The Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rt. Rev. Prof. Monsignor Cletus Gotan, urges intending Christian pilgrims to act as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria as the second batch departs for Israel and Jordan. He gives the charge on Friday, January 9, 2026, during the airlift at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to Mediaplusng.com, Monsignor Gotan reminds the pilgrims that the pilgrimage is made possible through government support and stakeholder collaboration, stressing that good conduct is the best way to repay this trust. He tells the pilgrims that their behaviour abroad reflects directly on Nigeria and its people.
The NCPC chairman assures the pilgrims of proper arrangements for a smooth and safe journey. He explains that the group will transit through Lagos before proceeding to Israel and Jordan, while offering prayers for journey mercies and a spiritually rewarding experience in the Holy Land.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Monsignor Gotan issues a strong warning against absconding or engaging in acts that could damage Nigeria’s reputation. He says strict monitoring mechanisms are in place and adds that sponsors will face serious penalties if any pilgrim fails to return to the country after the exercise.
He also calls on pilgrims to cooperate fully with NCPC officials, bus captains, and medical personnel who are clearly identified and available throughout the pilgrimage. According to him, obedience to instructions and teamwork are essential for a successful and hitch-free journey.
Emphasising the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage, the NCPC chairman urges the pilgrims to remain prayerful, disciplined, and Christ-like in conduct. He says the journey is not for leisure alone but a sacred opportunity for reflection, renewal, and deeper faith.
Monsignor Gotan cautions pilgrims against wasteful habits, particularly in hotels and buffet settings, noting that such actions often reinforce negative stereotypes about Nigerians. He encourages modesty, respect for others, and responsible use of facilities provided during the pilgrimage.
Sharing personal experiences, he highlights the importance of vigilance and humility, especially in unfamiliar environments. He advises pilgrims to ask questions when in doubt and encourages younger participants to support elderly pilgrims throughout the journey.
The NCPC chairman further assures the pilgrims that medical teams are fully prepared to attend to their health needs. He prays for divine protection, good health, and a safe return for all participants, expressing confidence that God will see them through the pilgrimage.
The departure of the second batch marks another key milestone in the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise. The batch includes intending pilgrims from Borno and Bauchi states, as well as consular pilgrims. The commission recalls that the exercise began on December 29, 2025, with the historic deployment of a Boeing 777-300 aircraft, the largest ever used in Nigeria for Christian pilgrimage airlift. The first batch of pilgrims returns safely to Nigeria on January 8, 2026.
