The Delta State Government has earmarked more than N2 billion to sponsor Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan for the 2026 pilgrimage programme, despite economic challenges facing residents.
Erijo Etacherure, the state commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties, disclosed this in Asaba on Friday while briefing Latimore Oghenesivbe, the state head of media for the pilgrimage.
The announcement comes as the state prepares to screen intending pilgrims for the religious journey, which the government says is aimed at promoting spiritual growth and understanding of biblical history.
Etacherure said the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) would begin screening applicants on November 11 at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat in Asaba.
He directed applicants who collected registration forms to complete and submit them by November 9 to the executive secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The commissioner said applicants must present valid ECOWAS international passports during the screening exercise.
He added that the NCPC would determine the eligibility of applicants and that its decisions would be final.
Etacherure also said residents who had previously participated in any state-government-sponsored pilgrimage to Israel or Jordan would not be eligible for the programme.
Successful applicants would receive full sponsorship and additional financial assistance during their stay in the Holy Land, he said.
According to the commissioner, the financial support would enable pilgrims to purchase religious materials and modest gifts for their families.
He described the pilgrimage as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, personal reflection and a deeper understanding of biblical history.
Etacherure said visiting sites associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ would deepen pilgrims’ knowledge of scripture and strengthen their faith.
He added that beneficiaries would pray for Nigeria, Delta State and their families during the journey.
The commissioner said the government considered investment in spiritual tourism part of its broader human development strategy.
He maintained that infrastructure development and economic growth should be complemented by efforts to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of society.
Etacherure also said the state government had concluded welfare arrangements for the exercise, including medical support through a collaboration between the Delta medical team and the NCPC medical team.
He urged residents to pray for peace, unity and sustainable development in the state and the country.
Erijo Etacherure, the state commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties, disclosed this in Asaba on Friday while briefing Latimore Oghenesivbe, the state head of media for the pilgrimage.
The announcement comes as the state prepares to screen intending pilgrims for the religious journey, which the government says is aimed at promoting spiritual growth and understanding of biblical history.
Etacherure said the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) would begin screening applicants on November 11 at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat in Asaba.
He directed applicants who collected registration forms to complete and submit them by November 9 to the executive secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The commissioner said applicants must present valid ECOWAS international passports during the screening exercise.
He added that the NCPC would determine the eligibility of applicants and that its decisions would be final.
Etacherure also said residents who had previously participated in any state-government-sponsored pilgrimage to Israel or Jordan would not be eligible for the programme.
Successful applicants would receive full sponsorship and additional financial assistance during their stay in the Holy Land, he said.
According to the commissioner, the financial support would enable pilgrims to purchase religious materials and modest gifts for their families.
He described the pilgrimage as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, personal reflection and a deeper understanding of biblical history.
Etacherure said visiting sites associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ would deepen pilgrims’ knowledge of scripture and strengthen their faith.
He added that beneficiaries would pray for Nigeria, Delta State and their families during the journey.
The commissioner said the government considered investment in spiritual tourism part of its broader human development strategy.
He maintained that infrastructure development and economic growth should be complemented by efforts to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of society.
Etacherure also said the state government had concluded welfare arrangements for the exercise, including medical support through a collaboration between the Delta medical team and the NCPC medical team.
He urged residents to pray for peace, unity and sustainable development in the state and the country.