NCPC Airlifts 1st batch of Nigerian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan

By Soni Daniel

Abuja: The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission in the early hours of Tuesday successfully airlifted the first batch of pilgrims under the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan with a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with a capacity of 525 passengers.

The aircraft departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja with the first highest seating capacity aircraft operated in Nigeria for the airlift of Christian Pilgrims to the holy land.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite described the event as ground-breaking considering the fact that the commission was able to make available for the first time in the history of our pilgrimage the highest seating capacity aircraft operated in Nigeria for the airlift of Christian Pilgrims to the holy land.

Bishop Adegbite attributed the feat recorded by the NCPC to the active support given it by President Bola Tinubu and the board of the commission.

The NCPC chief executive particularly thanked the president and his wife, Oluremi, Vice President Kassim Shettima and SGF George Akume for the conduct of many pilgrimages to the holy land since they came into office.

Bishop Adegbite also appreciated the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammed for his support and consistency in the sponsorship of Christian Pilgrims in Bauchi and described him as as one of the best Christian Pilgrimage friendly governors in the North East.

Bishop Adegbite assured the intending pilgrims that every arrangement had been made for a successful pilgrimage operation and pleaded with them to conduct themselves as Nigeria’s ambassadors in the holy land.

In her remarks, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Common Services, Mr. Ajayi Rotimi , said pilgrimage occupies a special place in the life of Christians and urged the intending pilgrims to ensure they returned to Nigeria spiritually enriched.

Theminister affirmed that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remained resolute to the comfort of all Nigerians irrespective of their faiths.

The first batch of intending pilgrims for the NCPC 2025 Main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan was made up of Bauchi contingents and consulars.  Over 500 intending pilgrims were airlifted to the holy land in the first batch.

Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion included Senator Amos Johanna, the Senator representing Adamawa North in the National Assembly, the retired Permanent Secretary General Service Office, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Maurice Mbaeri .

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