By Juliana Uzoka

The Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed the Vicar-General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, Rt. Rev. Monsignor Tanimu Gotan as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).

While expressing gratitude to the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu led administration, for the appointment which took effect on the 21 May, 2024, at the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Archbishop of Jos, Matthew Ishaya Audu noted that Monsignor Gotan is vested with the right attributes that would further add value to the commission.

“We thank the President for finding worthy one of our own whose quality leadership has left us in no doubt of his capacity to serve well in this position.”

In a statement signed by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Gyang, Archbishop Audu further called for prayers to sustain him in his in carrying out his functions.

“We equally enjoin you to pray for him as he carries out this service to the Church and nation.”

Earlier, the Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to upholding religious freedom and interfaith unity.

Speaking during the NCPC inauguration, Shettima emphasized the importance of faith in the nation, saying it provides comfort and stability among citizens.

He further stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity of faith and vowed that there will be no discrimination under the current government.

“Our duty is to provide a safe haven for members of each faith and uphold the rights and freedoms in our constitution,” he said.

He also described the task of making pilgrimage easier for Nigerian Christians to embark on as “sacred tradition” which has to be prioritized.

“It is our pledge that Christians will access optimum privileges in pursuit of their spiritual journey. Your duty here is a service to God and humanity in the best way possible,” he added.

The Vice President tasked the new NCPC board members to prioritize interfaith harmony, promote religious tolerance, and ensure a hitch free pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Christians.

He further advised them to be unifying figures dedicated to promoting compassion, justice, and mutual respect.

“We can only emerge stronger and more resilient as a nation through dialogue, empathy and reconciliation. The nation has grappled with the shadows of division fueled by the flames of intolerance and misunderstanding for far too long. Yet, in the flickering light of hope, we find solace in the knowledge that it is through interfaith harmony.

“Let us heed the call of the Lord to be our brother’s keepers, and sisters’ keepers, and good neighbours wherever we find ourselves. We can only achieve this when we recognize that our diversity is not a source of weakness but rather a wellspring of strength,” the Vice President said.

The newly appointed Chairman of the NCPC Board, Monsignor Gotan Thanked the President for supporting pilgrimage journeys and pledged to improve pilgrimage services.

“We appreciate the interest of the President and his government in encouraging the spiritual upliftment of our citizens by sponsoring these sacred journeys which will take us to our holy places and teach us about unity.”

The Chairman expressed hope that the pilgrimage exercise would foster greater understanding and unity among citizens.

“We pray that the exercise will help us appreciate how to live with each other as children of the same father. God has placed us in a country that is multifarious in nature,” he stated.

In a statement by the Senior Special  Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice  President, Stanley Nkwocha disclosed that other board members include: Hon. Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola (South West), Chief Clement Alobu Nweke ( South East), Weli Wosu (South South), Rev. Fr. Prof. Joseph Haruna Mamman (North West), Dr. Toma Hamidu Ragnjiya (North East), Dr. Simon Abu Samson Dolly (North Central) and Bishop Dr.Raphael Benjamin Nwankwo (CAN).

Monsignor Cletus Gotan had served at the University of Jos, as the Dean of Education.