NCPC Airlifts First Pilgrims of 2025 to Israel, Jordan

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission has commenced the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise, airlifting the first group of pilgrims to Israel and Jordan.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Mr. Stephen Adegbite, announced that the pilgrims departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard a Boeing 777-300 aircraft—the largest seating-capacity plane currently operated in Nigeria.

Adegbite described the use of the high-capacity aircraft, which can seat approximately 525 passengers, as a milestone for the commission. “This is the biggest aircraft that allows more mass movement of pilgrims to be airlifted and completed within a short period of time,” he stated.

He credited President Bola Tinubu, the NCPC board, and the airline for their support in securing the aircraft, noting that their backing made the 2024 and 2025 pilgrimage exercises possible. Adegbite also extended gratitude to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, and Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed for their roles in advancing Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.

The NCPC boss assured pilgrims that all arrangements have been made for a successful spiritual journey and urged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of both their faith and the nation. He also cautioned against absconding, noting that the commission has implemented measures to deter such acts during the pilgrimage.