The 2025 Christian Pilgrimage, earlier deferred due to challenges, will now begin on September 14, with flights departing from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri.
Ahead of the journey to Israel and Jordan, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, inspected the aircraft in Antalya, Turkey.
He arrived on September 5 and was received by Atlasjet Executive Director Serkan Yazicioglu, whose airline is approved to airlift pilgrims.
“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,” Bishop Adegbite explained.
Due Process and Safety Assurance
The NCPC boss said his administration would strictly uphold due process and not compromise standards. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its slogan of “Service and Satisfaction.”
Adegbite confirmed that the inspection was satisfactory and expressed optimism that the Airbus, with 350 seats and modern in-flight facilities, would carry Nigerian pilgrims safely and comfortably.
Atlasjet’s Executive Director also assured: “There will be no service failure in our operation. The safety of Nigerian pilgrims has been our priority.” He added that the aircraft would be deployed to Nigeria before the inaugural flight.
Pilgrimage as National Tradition
The pilgrimage exercise, organized annually, is one of Nigeria’s most symbolic religious programs. It often includes visits to biblical sites in Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Bishop Adegbite thanked Atlasjet for its commitment, noting that safe airlift was a key part of delivering a spiritual and memorable journey for all pilgrims.
As the September 14 take-off draws near, many Christians across the country are preparing spiritually and financially for the exercise. Some see it as a sacred journey of renewal, while others believe it strengthens Nigeria’s global religious diplomacy.
Do you think the Commission should expand the pilgrimage to include more faith-based tourism sites in future years?
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