200 Christian Intending Pilgrims Airlifted For Holy Pilgrimage

About 200 Christian intending pilgrims from Lagos State have been airlifted to Israel and Jordan for a 10-day pilgrimage exercise.

The pilgrims departed Lagos at about 1.15 am for Amman, Jordan, aboard a chartered aircraft, TAH 3103, operated by Southwind Airlines, marking the commencement of the Y2025 Christian pilgrimage exercise.

Speaking at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, where travel documents and tickets were issued, Venerable Joseph O O Chibuogwu, PhD, representative of the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), advised pilgrims to respond politely and truthfully to routine questions from immigration and security authorities in Israel and Jordan.

Chibuogwu assured the pilgrims of adequate care, guidance, and support from the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and the National Christian Pilgrims Commission. He cautioned pilgrims to pack purchased items in checked luggage and emphasised the spiritual nature of the journey, urging discipline and focus.

On health matters, Chibuogwu advised pilgrims to inform the medical team of any medications and be mindful of their diet. “Eat what you know and know what you eat,” he said.

According to the Secretary of the Board, Dr Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi, the first batch of Y2025 pilgrims will begin their journey in Jordan, undertaking spiritual exercises before proceeding to Israel. They are expected to land in Jordan on Sunday, 1st February 2026, while the second batch of pilgrims has been scheduled to be airlifted on the 11th of February 2026.