The Delta State Government has allocated more than N2 billion to sponsor Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan under the 2026 pilgrimage programme, an official said on Friday.
The State Commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties, Erijo Etacherure, made the disclosure in Asaba while briefing the state head of media for the pilgrimage.
He said the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission would begin screening intending pilgrims on November 11 at the Christian Association of Nigeria Secretariat in Asaba.
Applicants who collected registration forms must complete and submit them by November 9 to the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
“Applicants who fail to meet the deadline would not be attended to at the screening venue. All intending pilgrims should present valid ECOWAS international passports for the exercise,” Etacherure said.
He warned that previous beneficiaries of any state-government-sponsored pilgrimage to Israel or Jordan were ineligible.
“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 added.
Successful applicants would receive full sponsorship as well as additional financial assistance while in the Holy Land to purchase religious materials and modest gifts.
Etacherure said the initiative reflected Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to promoting citizens’ spiritual well-being.
“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.
He noted that a Delta medical team would work with the national commission’s medical team to provide healthcare throughout the journey.
