NCPC airlifts first batch of intending pilgrimage with highest seating capacity aircraft

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC has flagged off the 2025 Main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan on 29th December, 2025 at 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.
In his remarks at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Prof 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.
He emphasized that the aircraft which is a Boeing 777-300 has a capacity of about 525, the biggest aircraft which allows more mass movement of pilgrims to be airlifted and completed a short period of time.
Bishop Adegbite said this feat would not have been possible without the support of Mr President, the members of the Board of the Commission and the air carrier.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support for Pilgrimages, stating that 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 also commended the First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kasim Shettima as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume for their efforts in advancing the cause of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.
Similarly, he also appreciated the Executive Governor of Bauchi state,, Senator Bala Muhammed for his support and consistency in the sponsorship of Christian Pilgrims in Bauchi, he described him as one of the best Christian Pilgrimage friendly Governors in the North East.
Bishop Adegbite assured the intending pilgrims that every arrangement has been made for a successful Pilgrimage operation and they should conduct themselves in a most decent and excellent manner.He also urged them to be good ambassadors of Christ and Nigeria while in the holy land.
Additionally, the NCPC boss admonished the intending pilgrims not to contemplate absconding during Pilgrimage as the Commission had put every mechanism in place to discourage it .
In her remarks, the Hon 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. She charged the intending pilgrims to ensure they returned to Nigeria spiritually enriched.
The Hon Minister affirmed that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remained resolute to the comfort of all Nigerians irrespective of their faiths.
She commended the leadership of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for their meticulous and well coordinated Pilgrimage program.
She urged the intending pilgrims to consider themselves as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, stating, ” as you pray in the holy sites, remember Nigeria, pray for peace , unity and security of all Nigerians”.
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, amongst others.