The Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has said that Deltans who have previously benefited from the state’s pilgrimage programme are not eligible to apply for the 2026 exercise.
Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, the Board’s Executive Secretary, stated this on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Mr Latimore Oghenesivbe in Asaba.
According to him, any previous beneficiary who submitted an application will be automatically disqualified.
“The board has commenced the distribution of application forms for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, with intending pilgrims required to submit completed forms on or before November 9, 2026.
“The distribution of the forms commenced on Oct. 27 and interested and eligible Christians in Delta State should complete and return their applications within the stipulated period,” he said.
Ekabo urged applicants to comply strictly with the timeline to facilitate proper documentation and preparations for the exercise.
According to him, the screening of intending pilgrims has been scheduled for Nov. 11 and 12 at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat in Asaba.
“Applicants are expected to attend the screening as directed by the board and successful applicants will be airlifted to Israel and Jordan during the last week of November 2026,” he said.
He commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for approving and releasing funds for the pilgrimage and directing local government council chairmen across the state to sponsor additional pilgrims in support of the state government’s efforts.
According to him, the combined sponsorship commitment for this year’s exercise is expected to exceed ₦2 billion.
“We commend the governor’s directive to local government council chairmen to sponsor additional pilgrims as the initiative will complement state government funding, broaden participation and strengthen the programme’s reach across Delta State,” he said.
During the visit, Ekabo presented application forms to Oghenesivbe and announced his appointment as the head of media for the 2026 pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
He said the appointment was unanimously approved by the board in recognition of Oghenesivbe’s competence, professional experience and commitment to strategic media management of local and international engagements.
“Oghenesivbe will be assisted by Eunice Emezia, a senior reporter with Voice of Delta Radio, Asaba,” he said.
He said the pilgrimage is designed to provide Christian faithful with opportunities for spiritual revival, consecration and deeper engagement with biblical history through visits to significant religious sites in Israel and Jordan.
“Among the sites of spiritual interest is the traditional location associated with the transfiguration of Jesus Christ.
“Visits to these places are expected to enrich participants’ understanding of biblical events and strengthen their faith,” he said.
According to him, the pilgrimage will also provide an opportunity for participants to pray for the state and Nigeria, as well as the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
“Pilgrims are equally expected to pray for their personal spiritual growth and families, as well as the peace, unity and continued development of Nigeria and Delta State,” he said.
Ekabo also reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring an orderly and well-coordinated pilgrimage, urging intending pilgrims to comply with the eligibility criteria, submission deadline and screening arrangements.