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The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, has undertaken an inspection of the pilgrims’ aircraft in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of the official commencement of the delayed 2025 Easter Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.
The Executive Secretary arrived in Turkey on September 5, 2025, and was warmly received by the Executive Director of Atlasjet, Mr. Serkan Yazicioglu.
The NCPC-approved air carrier for the airlift of Nigerian Christian pilgrims this year.
At the end of the inspection, the NCPC boss stated that one of the policy thrusts of his administration is adherence to the principle of due process, emphasizing that the Commission cannot afford to compromise on its set standards.
According to him, “The physical inspection of the pilgrims’ aircraft is necessary to ensure that the aircraft meets the required specifications as codified in the contractual agreement between the Commission and the air carrier.”
He averred that the Commission would stop at nothing to ensure that the philosophy behind its corporate slogan, “Service and Satisfaction,” is implemented to the latter.
Bishop Adegbite further acknowledged that the aircraft inspection was satisfactory and expressed optimism that it would be able to airlift the Nigerian pilgrims safely and comfortably.
He thanked the Executive Director of Atlasjet, Mr. Serkan Yazicioglu, for his expertise and unwavering commitment to serving the Nigerian Christian pilgrims seamlessly.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Atlasjet, Mr. Serkan Yazicioglu, assured the NCPC boss that there would be no service failure in their operation, stating that the safety of the Nigerian pilgrims has been their priority.
He explained that the aircraft is an Airbus with a seating capacity of 350 and is technically top-notch with in-flight modern facilities.
He assured the Executive Secretary that the aircraft would be deployed to Nigeria before September 14, preparatory to the inaugural flight of the airlift of intending Christian pilgrims to Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
With the successful aircraft inspection by the Executive Secretary, the Commission is set to flag off the delayed 2025 Easter Pilgrimage exercise on September 14, 2025, at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State capital.
This is contained in the Press Statement signed by Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head Media and Public Relations Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.