Abuja: The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) is set to inaugurate the delayed 2025 Easter Pilgrimage on September 14 at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo. Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the commission, disclosed this in a statement released to newsmen.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the statement, signed by Mr. Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations at NCPC, outlined the commission’s preparations for the pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan. The commission has taken steps to ensure a seamless and successful event.
Bishop Adegbite highlighted the commission’s actions, including the inspection of the pilgrims’ aircraft in Antalya, Turkey. The inspection was conducted in the presence of Mr. Serkan Yazicioglu, Executive Director of Atlasjet, the approved air carrier for the airlift of Nigerian Christian pilgrims in 2025.
Adegbite emphasized that one of the administration’s policy thrusts is adherence to due process. The physical inspection of the aircraft was necessary to ensure compliance with the contractual agreement between the NCPC and the air carrier. The executive secretary reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to its slogan, ‘Service and Satisfaction,’ ensuring that standards are upheld.
The inspection results were satisfactory, and Adegbite expressed confidence in the safety and comfort of the Nigerian pilgrims during the airlift. He conveyed gratitude to Mr. Yazicioglu for his dedication to serving the pilgrims.
Mr. Yazicioglu assured that there would be no service failures, prioritizing the safety of the pilgrims. He detailed that the Airbus aircraft, with a seating capacity of 350, is equipped with modern in-flight facilities. He confirmed the aircraft’s deployment to Nigeria ahead of the inaugural flight on September 14, marking the start of the pilgrimage to Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.