Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Visit Jordan Fortress, Pray for Righteous Leadership in Nigeria

More than 40 Nigerian Christian pilgrims have visited an ancient fortress in Jordan associated with the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist, offering prayers for stronger faith, national peace and righteous leadership in Nigeria.

The delegation, led by Aeroport Travels & Tours Ltd., arrived at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman early Tuesday after departing Lagos on Monday.

Led by Dr Oludayo Taiwo Gideon, Group Managing Director of Aeroport Group, the pilgrims visited Mukawir, historically known as Machaerus, following an earlier excursion to Mount Nebo.

Mukawir is traditionally identified as the place where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed under Herod Antipas, as recounted in the biblical books of Matthew 14 and Mark 6.

Speaking at the historic site, Gideon said the visit was deliberately included in the pilgrimage itinerary to remind participants of the courage and conviction required to uphold their faith, even in difficult circumstances.

He said the group prayed for spiritual strength, steadfast faith, divine protection and the ability to remain committed to Christian beliefs despite life’s challenges. The prayers also included requests for justice, peace and responsible leadership in Nigeria.

“John the Baptist did not compromise the truth, even when it cost him his life. At Mukawir, we prayed for spiritual strength, for steadfast faith, for divine protection, and for the grace to remain committed to our Christian beliefs despite life’s challenges. We also prayed for Nigeria, for righteous leadership, for justice, for peace, and for divine intervention in the affairs of our country,” Gideon said.

He described Mukawir as a place for deep reflection, adding that its historical and religious significance offered lessons for Nigeria. According to him, the country needs citizens and leaders willing to defend truth and righteousness without being influenced by fear or favour.

“Nigeria needs men and women like John, who will speak truth, stand for righteousness, and not bow to fear or favour. That was our prayer for our nation,” he added.

Gideon also said visiting biblical locations helps pilgrims understand the geographical and historical settings of events recorded in Scripture and apply their lessons to personal and national life.

Beyond the religious activities, the delegation visited a mosaic museum and an artefact shop, where members explored Jordan’s cultural heritage, learnt about traditional mosaic craftsmanship and purchased locally made souvenirs.

Gideon said the cultural activities highlighted the economic benefits of religious tourism, noting that purchases from local artisans and interactions with host communities can support heritage preservation and livelihoods.

“Pilgrimage is not only spiritual, it is also cultural and economic. When we visit the mosaic museum, when we buy from local artisans, when we interact with host communities, we are supporting heritage preservation and local livelihoods. That is the beauty of faith-based tourism. It blesses both the pilgrim and the host,” he said.

The pilgrimage, coordinated by Aeroport Travels in collaboration with local tour guides and international partners, is expected to continue with visits to other significant biblical destinations in Jordan.