…Appoints Oghenesivbe Head of Media for 2026 Pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan
The Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare 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 Board commended Governor 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. The combined sponsorship commitment for this year’s exercise is expected to exceed ₦2 billion.
These disclosures were made on Thursday when the Board’s Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, JP, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., at the Bureau’s office in Asaba.
During the visit, Rev. Fr. Ekabo presented application forms to Dr. Oghenesivbe and announced his appointment as 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.
The Board disclosed that distribution of the forms commenced on October 27, 2026, urging interested and eligible Christians in Delta State to complete and return their applications within the stipulated period.
It emphasised that November 9, 2026, was the final deadline for submission of completed forms, advising applicants to comply strictly with the timeline to facilitate proper documentation and preparations for the exercise.
According to Rev. Fr. Ekabo, screening of intending pilgrims has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, and Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat in Asaba. Applicants are expected to attend the screening as directed by the Board.
The Board clarified that Deltans who had previously benefited from the state’s pilgrimage programme were ineligible to apply for the 2026 exercise. It warned that any previous beneficiary who submitted an application would be automatically disqualified.
Rev. Fr. Ekabo further disclosed that successful applicants would be airlifted to Israel and Jordan during the last week of November 2026, with all pilgrimage expenses to be borne by the Delta State Government.
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 Christian faith.
The Board said the pilgrimage would also provide an opportunity for participants to pray for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State, Governor Oborevwori and their respective families, as well as for 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.
The Board expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for approving and releasing funds for the pilgrimage, noting that his administration’s support would facilitate the participation of eligible Christian faithful in the spiritual exercise.
It also commended the Governor’s directive to local government council chairmen to sponsor additional pilgrims, noting that the initiative would complement state government funding, broaden participation and strengthen the programme’s reach across Delta State.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring an orderly and well-coordinated pilgrimage, urging intending pilgrims to comply with the eligibility criteria, submission deadline and screening arrangements.
Rev. Fr. Ekabo expressed optimism that the 2026 pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan would be spiritually rewarding for participants, while providing them with an opportunity to renew their faith and offer prayers for the peace and progress of the nation and Delta State.
