The Delta State Government has approved more than N2 billion to sponsor successful Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel and Jordan under its 2026 pilgrimage programme.
The State Commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties, Mr Erijo Etacherure, disclosed this while briefing the State Head of Media for the pilgrimage, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe.
Etacherure announced that the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) would commence screening of intending pilgrims on November 11 at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat in Asaba.
He directed applicants who had collected registration forms to complete and submit them to the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board on or before November 9.
The commissioner warned that applicants who failed to meet the deadline would not be attended to at the screening venue.
He also stressed that all intending pilgrims must present valid ECOWAS international passports during the screening exercise.
According to him, the NCPC would be responsible for determining applicants’ eligibility, and its decisions would be final.
Etacherure further disclosed that individuals who had previously benefited from any state-government-sponsored pilgrimage to Israel or Jordan would not qualify for the 2026 programme.
He warned that applications from such individuals would be automatically disqualified.
The commissioner explained that successful applicants would enjoy full sponsorship from the state government, including additional financial support while in the Holy Land.
He said the extra financial assistance would enable pilgrims to purchase religious materials and modest gifts for their families and loved ones.
Etacherure described the initiative as part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to promoting the spiritual wellbeing and overall development of residents.
He noted that Christian pilgrimage provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal, personal reflection and a deeper understanding of biblical history.
He added that participants would have the opportunity to visit significant biblical locations associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, while also praying for Nigeria, Delta State and their families.
According to him, the experience would strengthen participants’ faith and promote values such as peace, compassion, tolerance and responsible citizenship.
He maintained that the benefits of the pilgrimage would extend beyond individual participants to their families, churches and wider communities, contributing to social harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The commissioner also described investment in spiritual tourism as part of the state government’s broader human development agenda, stressing that economic growth and infrastructure development should go hand in hand with efforts to strengthen society’s moral and spiritual foundations.
On welfare arrangements, Etacherure assured intending pilgrims that adequate preparations had been made to guarantee their safety and wellbeing throughout the exercise.
He disclosed that the Delta State medical team would work alongside the NCPC medical team to provide healthcare services and attend to the medical needs of participants during the pilgrimage.
He urged residents to continue praying for peace, unity and sustainable development in Delta State and Nigeria, emphasising that collective responsibility, moral discipline and commitment to the common good were essential for societal progress.
