2026 Pilgrimage: NCPC to screen Delta intending Christian pilgrims November 11, 12 in Asaba - Etacherure

The Delta State Government has announced November 11 and 12, 2026, for the screening of intending Christian pilgrims participating in the 2026 pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.

The screening exercise, to be conducted by the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), will hold at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat, Asaba, from 10 a.m. daily.

The Commissioner for the Bureau of Special Duties, Hon. Etacherure Erijo Terry, announced this during a briefing with the State Head of Media for the pilgrimage, Dr Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., in his office.

He directed applicants who had earlier collected registration forms to complete and submit them to the Office of the Executive Secretary, Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, on or before Monday, November 9.

The Commissioner warned that applicants who fail to meet the deadline would not be attended to at the screening venue. He also directed all intending pilgrims to present valid ECOWAS international passports for the exercise.

He emphasised that the NCPC would determine the eligibility of applicants and that its decision at the screening exercise would be final.

Etacherure further disclosed that individuals who had previously participated in any state-government-sponsored pilgrimage to Israel or Jordan were ineligible to apply, adding that such applications would be automatically disqualified.

The Commissioner said the state government had committed over N2 billion to the 2026 pilgrimage programme, with successful applicants enjoying full sponsorship for the spiritual journey to Israel and Jordan.

He said the initiative, approved by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, reflected the administration's commitment to the spiritual wellbeing of citizens as an important component of human development and sustainable societal progress.

According to him, Christian pilgrimage offers beneficiaries an opportunity for spiritual renewal, deeper understanding of biblical history, personal reflection and a stronger commitment to Christian values.

The Commissioner also disclosed that pilgrims would use the opportunity of their visit to pray for Nigeria, Delta State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and their respective families.

He explained that visiting biblical sites in Israel and Jordan would enable pilgrims to experience important locations associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and other biblical events, thereby deepening their knowledge of Scripture and strengthening their personal faith.

The Commissioner noted that the benefits of pilgrimage extended beyond individual spiritual enrichment, as beneficiaries were expected to return with renewed moral convictions, greater appreciation for peace, compassion, tolerance and service to humanity.

He said these values could positively influence families, churches and communities, contributing to social harmony, responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence across the state.

Etacherure maintained that government investment in spiritual tourism was part of a broader human development strategy, explaining that physical infrastructure and economic growth should be complemented by efforts to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of society.

He added that the state government would provide additional financial assistance to successful pilgrims while in the Holy Land to enable them to purchase religious materials and make modest purchases for their loved ones back home.

The Commissioner, who recently returned from Israel and Jordan on pre-departure facilities inspection tour alongside the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, assured intending pilgrims that comprehensive welfare arrangements had been concluded for the exercise.

He disclosed that the Delta State medical team would collaborate with the NCPC medical team to provide healthcare services and attend to the medical needs of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.

He urged all intending pilgrims to comply with the registration requirements and participate in the mandatory screening exercise, stressing the importance of meeting the November 9 application deadline.

He called on residents of the state to continue praying for peace, unity and sustainable development, noting that collective responsibility, moral discipline and commitment to the common good remained important to the progress of society.

The 2026 pilgrimage programme forms part of the Delta State Government's commitment to supporting the spiritual aspirations of its Christian population while promoting values that contribute to individual wellbeing, family stability and peaceful community relations.