The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has urged Christian pilgrims participating in the 7th batch of the NCPC 2024 main pilgrimage to be good ambassadors of the country in the Holy Land, Israel, and Jordan.

Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations at NCPC, stated that the appeal was made by former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, who is leading the 7th batch of the NCPC 2024 main pilgrimage exercise.

Speaking during the airlift of the intending pilgrims to Israel and Jordan at the Pilgrims’ Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Senator Lalong reminded them to pray for President Bola Tinubu, the less privileged, and the government that sponsored their pilgrimage. He said: “A lot of things happen when you pray for Nigeria, your state, and yourself. Do not spoil the name of Nigeria and Plateau State—be good pilgrims.”

Senator Lalong also emphasised the importance of praying for Christian leaders in Nigeria, unity, and God’s grace to overcome temptations.
He further urged the pilgrims to pray for permanent peace in Israel, the Middle East, and the entire world.

In his remarks, Dr Simon Dolly, Federal Commissioner representing North Central on the Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance on abscondment.

He urged the pilgrims to cooperate with each other while in the Holy Land and to pray for government leaders, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Rev. Wanson Bagu, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, reminded the pilgrims that they were travelling as ambassadors of Christ, Nigeria, and Plateau State.

He urged them to maintain a good reputation while in the Holy Land, stating that abscondment cannot solve any problem.

THE SUN