Delta govt splashes N2bn on 2026 pilgrimage as citizens cry over hardship

Delta State Government has approved over N2 billion to send Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan for the 2026 pilgrimage.

The State Commissioner for the Bureau of Special Duties, Erijo Etacherure, made this known in Asaba while briefing the Head of Media for the pilgrimage, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe.

Etacherure stated that the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, will start screening intending pilgrims on November 11, noting that the exercise will hold at the Christian Association of Nigeria Secretariat in Asaba.

According to him, anybody who picked up a registration form must fill it and return it on or before November 9, stressing that the forms are to go to the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

“Anybody who fails to meet the deadline will not be attended to at the screening venue. All intending pilgrims should come with a valid ECOWAS international passport,” Etacherure said.

The commissioner explained that the NCPC will decide who is qualified.

He also warned that anybody who has enjoyed a state-sponsored trip to Israel or Jordan before should not bother to apply, noting that such a person will be disqualified.