NCPC sets September 14 for 2025 Easter Pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) is set to inaugurate the delayed 2025 Easter Pilgrimage exercise on September 14, 2025, at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Commission, announced this in a statement signed by Mr. Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, NCPC.
According to Adegbite, the Commission has made significant efforts to ensure a seamless and successful exercise.
“Ahead of the official commencement of the delayed 2025 Easter Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan, the Commission has taken necessary steps to guarantee a hitch-free journey for the pilgrims,” he said.
Adegbite revealed that the Commission had undertaken a thorough inspection of the pilgrims’ aircraft in Antalya, Turkey, where he was received by the Executive Director of Atlasjet, Mr. Serkan Yazicioglu.
The inspection aimed to ensure that the aircraft meets the required specifications as codified in the contractual agreement between the Commission and the air carrier.
The Executive Director of Atlasjet, Mr. Yazicioglu, assured the NCPC boss that the airline would prioritize the safety and comfort of the Nigerian pilgrims.
He explained that the aircraft is an Airbus with a seating capacity of 350 and is technically top-notch with modern in-flight facilities.
Yazicioglu also guaranteed that the aircraft would be deployed to Nigeria before September 14, preparatory to the inaugural flight of the airlift of intending Christian pilgrims to Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Adegbite emphasized that one of the policy thrusts of his administration is adherence to the principle of due process.
“The Commission cannot afford to compromise on its set standards,” he said.
“The physical inspection of the pilgrims’ aircraft is necessary to ensure that the aircraft meets the required specifications as codified in the contractual agreement between the Commission and the air carrier.”
The NCPC Executive Secretary expressed optimism that the Commission would be able to airlift the Nigerian pilgrims safely and comfortably.
He thanked the Executive Director of Atlasjet for his expertise and unwavering commitment to serving the Nigerian Christian pilgrims seamlessly.
Adegbite reiterated the Commission’s commitment to its corporate slogan, “Service and Satisfaction,” saying,
“The Commission will stop at nothing to ensure that the philosophy behind its corporate slogan is implemented to the latter.”
