NCPC Chairman, Rt. Rev. Prof. Monsignor Cletus Gotan, Urges Intending Pilgrims to Be Worthy Ambassadors of Nigeria as Second Batch Departs for Jordan and Israel

The Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rt. Rev. Prof. Monsignor Cletus Gotan, has charged intending Christian pilgrims to comport themselves with dignity and responsibility, stressing the need to uphold the good image of Nigeria during the pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations of the Commission, Celestine Toruka, and made available to journalists in Abuja.
Rt. Rev. Prof. Monsignor Gotan gave the admonition on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Pilgrims Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during the airlift of the second batch of intending pilgrims.
He noted that the successful organization of the pilgrimage was made possible through the support of government and other critical stakeholders, emphasizing that pilgrims must reciprocate this gesture by serving as good representatives of the country wherever they find themselves.
“Anywhere you go, people see Nigeria in you. If you misbehave, they will say Nigerians misbehave, but if you behave well, you portray your country in a positive light,” he stated.
The NCPC Chairman welcomed the intending pilgrims and assured them that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free journey. He explained that the pilgrims would transit through Lagos before proceeding to Israel and Jordan, while offering prayers for journey mercies and a successful pilgrimage.
He warned pilgrims against absconding or engaging in any act capable of damaging Nigeria’s reputation, revealing that strict monitoring measures had been instituted. He added that sponsors would be severely sanctioned if any pilgrim failed to return to the country.
Rt. Rev. Prof. Monsignor Gotan appealed to the pilgrims to cooperate fully with NCPC officials, bus captains, and medical personnel, noting that they would be clearly identifiable and readily available to render assistance throughout the pilgrimage.
Highlighting the spiritual essence of the journey, he urged the pilgrims to remain prayerful, disciplined, and Christ-like in their conduct.
“We are not going there for trouble or mere pleasure; we are going there to pray. Let us go as Christians and return as better people,” he said.
He further cautioned against wasteful attitudes, particularly in hotels and buffet areas, stressing that such behavior reinforces negative stereotypes about Nigerians. Pilgrims were encouraged to be respectful, modest, and considerate in their dealings with others.
Drawing from personal experiences, the Chairman emphasized the need for vigilance, humility, and obedience to instructions, especially in unfamiliar environments. He advised pilgrims to seek clarification whenever in doubt and encouraged younger pilgrims to assist the elderly.
Rt. Rev. Prof. Monsignor Gotan also assured the pilgrims that medical teams were fully prepared and prayed for divine protection, good health, and a smooth pilgrimage.
“As God has brought us together today, He will surely take us there safely and bring us back in peace,” he affirmed.
The airlift of the second batch of intending pilgrims represents another milestone in NCPC’s resolve to deliver a smooth, secure, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for Nigerian Christians. This second batch comprises mainly intending pilgrims from Borno and Bauchi States, as well as consular officials.