…Oghenesivbe Commends Oborevwori for N2bn-Plus Funding, Lauds Board’s Commitment to Pilgrims’ Welfare
The Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, has completed pre-pilgrimage inspection and readiness assessment visits to Israel and Jordan ahead of the 2026 Christian pilgrimage.
The inspection exercise is aimed at ensuring a safe, well-coordinated and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage experience for intending Christian pilgrims from Delta State.
The State’s 2026 Pilgrimage Head of Media to Israel and Jordan, Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, commending Fr. Ekabo for his foresight, proactive leadership and commitment to the welfare of intending pilgrims.
Oghenesivbe, who is also the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, particularly praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving and releasing over N2 billion to fund the 2026 pilgrimage exercise.
He described the financial commitment as a significant demonstration of the Oborevwori administration’s support for Christian pilgrims and its determination to promote religious tourism in the state.
He also applauded the governor for providing the necessary institutional assistance and logistical support that enabled the Executive Secretary to undertake the inspection visits to Israel and Jordan.
According to him, the governor’s intervention has created the enabling environment for the Board to assess facilities, engage relevant service providers and make informed preparations ahead of the pilgrimage.
Speaking on the importance of the inspection exercise, Oghenesivbe explained that the visits covered accommodation facilities, pilgrimage destinations, security arrangements, tour guides, transportation services and other essential logistical requirements.
He said the assessment also examined medical and emergency response services, feeding arrangements, tour itineraries and general hospitality standards to ensure that potential operational challenges are identified and addressed before the pilgrims’ departure.
He noted that advance inspections remain critical to successful pilgrimage administration, as they provide opportunities to verify service standards, confirm logistical arrangements and establish appropriate contingency measures.
Oghenesivbe described Christian pilgrimage as more than a sightseeing exercise, stressing that it is a deeply spiritual journey that requires careful planning and adequate consideration for the religious expectations, comfort and physical wellbeing of participants.
He particularly commended Fr. Ekabo for personally driving the preparatory process, noting that his proactive approach demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and dedication to ensuring that Delta pilgrims have an organised and fulfilling experience in the Holy Land.
The Media Head observed that Israel and Jordan host some of Christianity’s most significant biblical and historical landmarks, offering pilgrims opportunities to strengthen their faith and connect with important events recorded in the Holy Scriptures.
He added that visits to the various sacred destinations would provide pilgrims with opportunities for prayer, reflection, spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of the geographical and historical settings of biblical events.
Oghenesivbe further disclosed that the 2026 Pilgrimage State of Readiness Exercise for Leaders and Managers of Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards would provide a platform for strategic deliberations, experience sharing, administrative capacity development and the review of operational expectations ahead of the forthcoming exercise.
He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained from the readiness exercise, alongside the inspection visits, would further strengthen the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board’s capacity for effective administration, coordination and service delivery.
He called on all stakeholders to sustain collaboration, commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities, while reiterating the Delta State Government’s readiness to provide the necessary institutional and administrative support for a successful pilgrimage.
Oghenesivbe expressed optimism that the combined efforts of Governor Oborevwori, the Board’s leadership and other relevant stakeholders would guarantee a safe, orderly and spiritually enriching 2026 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.