By Yahaya Idris
The Delta State Government has committed more than ₦2 billion to the 2026 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, reinforcing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration’s commitment to spiritual development and the promotion of moral values among residents.
The disclosure was made during the commencement of the screening exercise for intending pilgrims at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Etacherure Terry, said the government-sponsored pilgrimage was designed to provide beneficiaries with opportunities for spiritual renewal, biblical understanding and stronger Christian commitment.
He, however, warned applicants against attempting to abscond during or after the pilgrimage, stressing that such conduct would bring embarrassment to their families and Delta State.
The Governor urged successful participants to appreciate the government’s investment by conducting themselves responsibly and serving as worthy ambassadors of the state and the Christian faith.
He described the pilgrimage as a serious spiritual undertaking rather than an opportunity for entertainment, urging participants to demonstrate discipline, respect and commitment throughout the programme.
Oborevwori said the investment reflected his administration’s belief that development should not be measured exclusively by roads, infrastructure and economic growth but should also encompass the spiritual and moral advancement of citizens.
He expressed optimism that beneficiaries would return with renewed faith, positive testimonies and a stronger sense of responsibility to their families and communities.
The Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Christopher Ekabo, JP, commended the Governor for approving full sponsorship for the exercise.
Ekabo described Oborevwori as the only governor in the South-South region to sponsor pilgrims in the previous year and the first to approve sponsorship for the 2026 pilgrimage.
He disclosed that more than 300 persons, including officials, were expected to participate in the programme.
According to him, the spiritual benefits of the pilgrimage would extend beyond individual participants to their families and communities through the promotion of peace, tolerance, compassion and unity.
He maintained that the government’s investment should be appreciated not only in monetary terms but also in view of the long-term benefits of spiritual transformation and responsible citizenship.
The Federal Commissioner of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Prince Weli Nwosu, cautioned applicants that submission of applications did not automatically guarantee participation.
He urged all intending pilgrims to comply with the established screening requirements to qualify for the exercise.
The Delta State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Lucky Osagbokhoe, also encouraged applicants to put their trust in God and use the pilgrimage to pray for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori and their families.
He further called for prayers for national peace, stability and sustainable development.
The screening process featured medical examinations and security assessments by the Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Nigeria Police Force.
A final panel comprising the NCPC Federal Commissioner and other officials from Abuja will determine the successful applicants before their names are forwarded to the Commission’s headquarters for further processing.
Speaking on the exercise, the State Head of Media for the 2026 pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., commended the Board for its organisational preparedness and effective coordination.
He specifically praised the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Etacherure Erijo Terry, and the Board’s Executive Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Christopher Ekabo, for ensuring fairness, discipline and an orderly screening process.
Oghenesivbe said the arrangements demonstrated the government’s determination to ensure that the resources committed to the programme translated into a meaningful spiritual experience.
He announced that screening would continue on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the CAN Secretariat in Asaba.
He added that successful pilgrims who secured their visas would be airlifted to Israel on a date to be announced by the NCPC and the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Meanwhile, the state government’s commitment to the pilgrimage forms part of its broader recognition of the importance of spiritual and moral development in building peaceful, responsible and productive communities.