2025 EASTER PILGRIMAGE: NCPC BOSS BISHOP ADEGBITE INSPECTS AIRCRAFT IN TURKEY
By Anthony Toruka
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has reiterated the Commission’s unshakable resolve to deliver on its corporate philosophy of “Service and Satisfaction.” Speaking after conducting a thorough inspection of the aircraft designated for the 2025 Easter Pilgrimage, Bishop Adegbite affirmed that the Commission would stop at nothing to guarantee a seamless experience for intending pilgrims. He noted with satisfaction that the aircraft met international standards and expressed optimism that it would provide both safety and comfort for Nigerian pilgrims journeying to Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
In his remarks, Bishop Adegbite extended deep appreciation to the Executive Director of Atlasjet, Mr. Serkan Yazicioglu, commending his professionalism, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to partnering with Nigeria in ensuring a successful pilgrimage. He described the collaboration between the NCPC and Atlasjet as a model of dedication and service, stressing that such synergy was critical in providing pilgrims with peace of mind as they embarked on their spiritual journey.
On his part, Mr. Yazicioglu assured the NCPC boss and the Nigerian Christian community at large that Atlasjet would deliver nothing short of excellence. He emphasised that the safety and well-being of the pilgrims had been placed at the very heart of the airline’s operations, adding that every measure had been taken to avoid service failures. Highlighting the features of the aircraft, he revealed that the Airbus — with a seating capacity of 350 — was not only technically top-notch but also fitted with state-of-the-art in-flight facilities designed to make the long journey as comfortable as possible.
Mr. Yazicioglu further explained that the aircraft would be deployed to Nigeria before September 14, ahead of the inaugural flight of the delayed 2025 Easter Pilgrimage. According to him, the early deployment was part of Atlasjet’s proactive planning to ensure that all logistical requirements were met without last-minute hitches.
With the successful completion of the inspection exercise, the stage is now set for the NCPC to officially flag off the 2025 Easter Pilgrimage on September 14, 2025, at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. The event is expected to attract government officials, church leaders, and families of the intending pilgrims, as the Commission turns a new page in its mission to provide Nigerian Christians with an opportunity to reconnect with their faith through the timeless experience of pilgrimage.
Beyond the logistics and technicalities, the upcoming exercise holds deeper significance. For many Nigerian Christians, the Easter Pilgrimage is not merely a journey across borders, but a journey of the spirit — one that promises renewal, reflection, and the strengthening of faith. With the Commission’s renewed commitment to excellence and Atlasjet’s pledge of dependable service, pilgrims can look forward to a transformative experience that begins long before they set foot in the Holy Land.
