2025 Easter pilgrimage to begins September – NCPC

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has announced that the delayed 2025 Easter Pilgrimage will commence on September 14 at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, and signed by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka.

Adegbite said the Commission had taken necessary steps to ensure a smooth and successful exercise to Israel and Jordan, including a physical inspection of the designated aircraft in Antalya, Turkey.

The aircraft belongs to Atlasjet, the airline approved for the 2025 pilgrimage.

He explained that the inspection was carried out in line with NCPC’s commitment to due process and safety standards, noting that the Airbus aircraft, with a 350-seat capacity and modern in-flight facilities, met the required specifications.

“The Commission cannot afford to compromise on standards.

“We will stop at nothing to ensure that our slogan, ‘Service and Satisfaction,’ is fully implemented,” Adegbite stated, expressing confidence in the readiness of the airline.

He also commended Atlasjet’s Executive Director, Mr. Serkan Yazicioglu, for his commitment to serving Nigerian pilgrims, while Yazicioglu assured that the airline would deliver safe and seamless operations.

The Atlasjet boss further confirmed that the aircraft would be deployed to Nigeria before September 14, ahead of the inaugural flight to Israel and Jordan.