The Delta State Government has earmarked more than N2bn to sponsor Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel and Jordan for the 2026 pilgrimage programme.
The State Commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties, Erijo Etacherure, disclosed this on Friday in Asaba while briefing the state’s Head of Media for the pilgrimage, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe.
Etacherure said the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission would commence the screening of intending pilgrims on November 11 at the Christian Association of Nigeria Secretariat in Asaba.
He directed applicants who had obtained registration forms to complete and submit them to the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board on or before November 9.
He warned that applicants who failed to meet the deadline would not be attended to during the screening exercise.
According to the commissioner, all applicants must present valid ECOWAS international passports, while the NCPC would have the final responsibility for determining their eligibility.
He also stated that individuals who had previously benefited from any state-government-sponsored pilgrimage to Israel or Jordan would not qualify for the programme.
“Any individual who had previously participated in any state-government-sponsored pilgrimage to Israel or Jordan is not eligible to apply. Such application will be automatically disqualified,” he said.
Etacherure explained that successful applicants would enjoy full sponsorship and additional financial support to enable them to purchase religious materials and souvenirs for their families.
He said the initiative was part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to promoting the spiritual welfare of residents.
The commissioner described the pilgrimage as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, reflection and a deeper understanding of biblical history, adding that participants would also pray for the country, the state and their families.
He noted that visiting locations associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ would strengthen participants’ knowledge of the Bible and their Christian faith.
Etacherure added that the programme was expected to promote moral discipline, peaceful coexistence and social harmony among residents.
On the welfare of participants, he assured applicants that adequate arrangements had been made to address their medical needs throughout the exercise.
He said the Delta State medical team would work alongside the NCPC medical personnel to provide healthcare services during the pilgrimage.
“The medical teams will provide healthcare services and attend to the medical needs of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage,” he said.
He urged residents to continue praying for peace, unity and sustainable development in Delta State and Nigeria.
