The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission has successfully airlifted the first batch of its 2025 main pilgrims to Israel and Jordan.
NCPC Executive Secretary, Mr. Stephen Adegbite, confirmed this in a statement signed by the commission’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He revealed that the pilgrims departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard Nigeria’s largest currently operated aircraft.
“The aircraft, which is a Boeing 777-300, has a capacity of about 525 seats, the biggest aircraft that allows more mass movement of pilgrims to be airlifted and completed within a short period of time,” Adegbite said.
He explained that securing this aircraft marked a first for the commission in transporting Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land.
“This feat would not have been possible without the support of the President, Bola Tinubu, the members of the Board of the Commission and the air carrier. Without his avowed support, the Commission would not have been able to conduct the 2024 main pilgrimage exercise, the 2025 Easter pilgrimage exercise and, of course, the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise,” he added.
Adegbite also expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for their efforts in promoting Christian pilgrimage.
He singled out Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, for his consistent support in sponsoring pilgrims, describing him as “one of the most Christian pilgrimage-friendly governors in the North-East.”
Assuring pilgrims of smooth arrangements, Adegbite urged them to “be good ambassadors of Christ and Nigeria while in the Holy Land.”
He further warned against absconding, noting that the commission has established mechanisms to discourage such behavior during the exercise.
