DELTA State Government has committed more than N2 billion to sponsor successful Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan for the 2026 pilgrimage programme.
The State Commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties, Erijo Etacherure, disclosed this in Asaba on Friday, November 6. He said the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) would begin screening intending pilgrims on November 11.
Etacherure spoke while briefing the State Head of Media for the pilgrimage, Latimore Oghenesivbe, a doctorate holder. He said the screening exercise would take place at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat, Asaba.
According to him, applicants who collected registration forms must complete and submit them by November 9. He directed applicants to submit their forms to the Executive Secretary, 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,” he said.
Etacherure explained that the NCPC would determine applicants’ eligibility, adding that its decisions would be final. 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 said. The commissioner said successful applicants would receive full sponsorship, alongside additional financial assistance while in the Holy Land.
He explained that the additional support would enable pilgrims to purchase religious materials and modest gifts for their loved ones. Etacherure said the initiative reflected Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to promoting citizens’ spiritual wellbeing.
He described Christian pilgrimage as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, personal reflection and deeper understanding of biblical history. He said pilgrims would also pray for Nigeria, Delta State and their respective families during the religious journey.
“Visiting biblical sites will enable pilgrims 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.
Etacherure said the benefits would extend beyond individual spiritual enrichment to families, churches and communities. He expressed confidence that beneficiaries would return with stronger moral convictions and greater appreciation for peace, compassion and tolerance.
According to him, these values could promote responsible citizenship, social harmony and peaceful coexistence across the state. The commissioner said investment in spiritual tourism formed part of the government’s broader human development strategy.
He maintained that infrastructure development and economic growth should complement efforts to strengthen society’s moral and spiritual foundations.
Etacherure also assured intending pilgrims that comprehensive welfare arrangements had been concluded for the exercise. He said the Delta medical team would collaborate with the NCPC medical team to provide healthcare throughout the pilgrimage.
“The medical teams will provide healthcare services and attend to the medical needs of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage,” he said. He urged residents to pray for peace, unity and sustainable development in the state and the country.
Etacherure stressed that collective responsibility, moral discipline and commitment to the common good remained essential to societal progress.
The ICIR reports that the approval for the pilgrimage comes amid socioeconomic challenges facing the state. For instance, the Debt Management Office (DMO) put Delta State’s total debt stood at ₦369.30 billion as of June 30, 2026.
In September 2025, the Guardian Newspaper reported the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) claiming 1.5 million people in the state lived in multi-dimensional poverty.
Several media reports, including investigations by the Guardian and other Nigerian media organisations, have documented significant challenges facing Delta State’s education, road, healthcare and electricity iinfrastructure.
Note: This report has been updated to reflect the socioeconomic challenges facing Delta State.
Marcus bears the light, and he beams it everywhere. He's a good governance and decent society advocate. He's The ICIR Reporter of the Year 2022 and has been the organisation's News Editor since September 2023. Contact him via email @ mfatunmole@icirnigeria.org