Applicants who failed to meet the deadline would not be attended to at the screening venue, adding that all intending pilgrims must present valid ECOWAS international passports
By Moses Okorie
The Delta State Government has committed more than N2 billion to sponsor successful Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan under its 2026 pilgrimage programme.
The State Commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties, Mr Erijo Etacherure, disclosed this on Friday in Asaba while briefing the State Head of Media for the pilgrimage, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe.
Etacherure said the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) would commence the 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.
He warned that applicants who failed to meet the deadline would not be attended to at the screening venue, adding that all intending pilgrims must present valid ECOWAS international passports.
The commissioner explained that the NCPC would determine the eligibility of applicants and that its decisions would be final.
He also clarified that individuals who had previously benefited from any state-government-sponsored pilgrimage to Israel or Jordan were not eligible to participate in the 2026 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 disclosed that successful applicants would enjoy full government sponsorship, as well as additional financial assistance to enable them to purchase religious materials and modest gifts for their loved ones while in the Holy Land.
He said the initiative reflected the commitment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to promoting the spiritual wellbeing of residents and creating opportunities for Christian faithful to deepen their faith.
According to him, pilgrimage offers participants an opportunity for spiritual renewal, personal reflection and a deeper understanding of biblical history.
He added that pilgrims would also have the opportunity to pray for Nigeria, Delta State and their families during the spiritual journey.
“Visiting biblical sites will enable pilgrims to experience important locations associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This will deepen their knowledge of scripture and strengthen their faith,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the benefits of the programme would extend beyond individual spiritual development to families, churches and communities.
He expressed optimism that beneficiaries would return with stronger moral convictions and a greater appreciation of peace, compassion and tolerance, which he said were essential for responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence.
Etacherure described investment in spiritual tourism as part of the state government’s broader human development strategy, stressing that economic growth and infrastructure development should be complemented by efforts to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of society.
He further assured intending pilgrims that adequate welfare arrangements had been put in place for the exercise.
He said the Delta State medical team would work in collaboration with the NCPC medical team to provide healthcare services and ensure the wellbeing of pilgrims throughout the journey.