By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) is expanding its pilgrimage destinations with a focus on Christian Holy sites in Turkey.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Commission, announced the development during a meeting with a Turkish delegation from Turquaz Group and Afrosum Faith Tourism in Abuja.
According to a statement by Celestine Toruka, NCPC’s Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, the collaboration is aimed at deepening ties between the two countries through faith tourism.
Bishop Adegbite emphasized Turkey’s significance in the Christian faith, noting that the country is home to around 60 percent of Old Testament events, making it a key destination for Christian pilgrims.
“Turkey makes the Bible real,” Adegbite said, underscoring the importance of the region in biblical history. He expressed confidence in the partnership, assuring the Turkish delegation of transparency and mutual trust.
“We will not cheat you, and you will not cheat us or the Nigerian government,” he added.
The partnership is expected to open up new pilgrimage routes for Nigerian Christians, many of whom have expressed interest in visiting Turkey’s rich historical and religious sites. Adegbite further highlighted the NCPC’s commitment to working with credible organizations to provide meaningful spiritual experiences for Nigerian pilgrims.
Mr. Naci Tamer, Vice Chairman of Turquaz Group and Afrosum Faith Tourism, welcomed the collaboration, reiterating that Turkey holds around 60 percent of the sites mentioned in the Bible. He invited NCPC officials to Turkey for an exploratory visit to assess the suitability of the sites for pilgrimage.
In addition to pilgrimage opportunities, Tamer noted the broader scope of the partnership, which could include business forums and medical tourism, adding that Turquaz Group is also planning to establish a diagnostic center in Abuja as part of their commitment to Nigeria.
The collaboration is seen as a step towards strengthening religious and cultural ties between Nigeria and Turkey, while offering Nigerian pilgrims a richer spiritual journey.
