…as over 40 pilgrims begin journey to holy land
Christian pilgrimage is much more than travelling to another country or visiting historical sites. It is an opportunity to deepen understanding of the Scriptures, strengthen relationship with God and experience firsthand places where significant biblical events took place.
Walking through Jerusalem, visiting Bethlehem, standing on Mount Nebo or sailing on the Sea of Galilee brings a different perspective to the biblical accounts we have studied over the years. It is a journey of faith, reflection, spiritual renewal and personal transformation.
Faith, Fellowship And Trust
Excitement is high among the pilgrims, many of whom are visiting sites they have only known through sermons and Scripture. The multi-denominational composition — Christians from different churches and states travelling as one — is expected to foster fellowship, shared worship and Christian unity.
More than 40 Nigerian Christian pilgrims will leave Lagos on Monday for an eight-day pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel — a journey many describe as the fulfilment of a lifelong spiritual dream.
The delegation, drawn from different denominations and states across Nigeria, will fly Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa to Amman, Jordan, where the pilgrimage begins Tuesday, November 10. It ends November 17.
The trip is organised by Aeroport Travels & Tours Ltd, a Private Tour Operator licensed by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), accredited by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and a member of NANTA and NATOP.
Leading the delegation is Oludayo Taiwo Gideon, Group Managing Director/CEO of Aeroport Group, alongside his wife, Rebecca Ebunoluwa Oludayo, Executive Director of Aeroport Travels.
In a statement ahead of departure, Gideon said pilgrimage is not conventional tourism.
Several participants joined after recommendations from previous pilgrims who travelled with Aeroport since it entered the pilgrimage sector in 2022.
For many Christians, visiting the Holy Land is a lifelong aspiration. We recognise the spiritual, emotional and financial commitments involved. The fact that some pilgrims were referred by previous travellers demonstrates confidence in our services — and a responsibility to continually justify that trust,” Gideon said.
The Itinerary: From Mount Nebo To The Sea of Galilee
In Jordan
Mount Nebo — where Moses viewed the Promised Land; Mukawir — believed to be where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed; the Dead Sea.
In Israel
Bethlehem — Church of the Nativity, Shepherds’ Field; Jerusalem — Mount of Olives, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mount Zion, Upper Room; Nazareth, Cana of Galilee, Mount Tabor, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Jordan River baptism site, and a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
The itinerary includes guided biblical reflections, prayers and worship, subject to security conditions and local travel guidance.
Gideon said religious tourism remains a major pillar of the global tourism industry, supporting airlines, hotels, transport operators, guides and destination economies.
“Religious tourism plays a significant role in connecting people, cultures and destinations. Beyond its spiritual significance, it contributes to tourism development, international cooperation and economic activities across several sectors.”
“As travel professionals, we have a responsibility to promote pilgrimage as a specialised tourism product while ensuring its spiritual purpose remains central. This requires proper planning, professionalism, credible partnerships and responsible management.”
He called for greater professionalism, regulatory compliance and collaboration among Nigerian operators, noting Nigeria’s large religious population presents a huge opportunity for responsible faith-based tourism — if operators prioritise traveller welfare, transparency and quality service.
Related News
Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers.
She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay.
She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos.
As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender.
She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies.
Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the
prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the ‘Aviation Writer of the Year’ Category.
She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category.
She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations.
Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
Source: