The Delta State Government has committed more than ₦2bn to sponsor successful Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel and Jordan for the 2026 pilgrimage programme, as the state prepares to begin screening intending participants on November 11.

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

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Etacherure said the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission would conduct the screening exercise at the Christian Association of Nigeria Secretariat in Asaba.

He directed applicants who had collected registration forms to complete and submit them to the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board by November 9.

“Applicants who fail to meet the deadline would not be attended to at the screening venue,” the commissioner said.

He added that all intending pilgrims must present valid ECOWAS international passports during the screening exercise.

According to Etacherure, the NCPC would determine applicants’ eligibility, and its decisions would be final.

He also warned that people who had previously participated in any pilgrimage to Israel or Jordan sponsored by a state government would not qualify for the programme.

“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 explained that successful applicants would receive full sponsorship from the state government, alongside additional financial assistance while in the Holy Land.

He said the extra support would enable pilgrims to purchase religious materials and modest gifts for their families.

Etacherure described the initiative as part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to promoting the spiritual well-being of residents.

He said the pilgrimage would provide opportunities for spiritual renewal, personal reflection and a deeper understanding of biblical history, particularly through visits to sites associated with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

The commissioner added that pilgrims would pray for Nigeria, Delta State and their families during the religious journey.

He said the experience could strengthen participants’ faith and encourage values such as peace, compassion, tolerance and responsible citizenship.

According to him, the benefits of the programme would extend beyond individual participants to their families, churches and wider communities.

Etacherure described investment in spiritual tourism as part of the state government’s broader human development strategy, arguing that economic growth and infrastructure development should be complemented by efforts to strengthen society’s moral and spiritual foundations.

He also assured intending pilgrims that adequate welfare arrangements had been made for the exercise.

The commissioner said the Delta State medical team would work with the NCPC medical team to provide healthcare and attend to pilgrims’ medical needs throughout the journey.