The Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, has completed pre-pilgrimage inspection and readiness assessment visits to Israel and Jordan as part of efforts to ensure a safe, well-coordinated and spiritually rewarding 2026 Christian pilgrimage for intending pilgrims from the state.
The State’s 2026 Pilgrimage Head of Media to Israel and Jordan, Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, commending the Executive Secretary for his foresight and commitment to pilgrims’ welfare.
Oghenesivbe, who is also the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, particularly commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving and releasing over N2 billion for the 2026 pilgrimage exercise, describing the financial commitment as a significant demonstration of his administration’s support for Christian pilgrims and the promotion of religious tourism.
He also praised the Governor for providing the necessary institutional assistance and logistical support that enabled Fr. Ekabo to undertake the inspection tour of pilgrimage facilities and other essential arrangements in Israel and Jordan. He noted that the Governor’s intervention had created the enabling environment for the Board to carry out the necessary advance assessments and make informed decisions ahead of the exercise.
According to Oghenesivbe, the Governor’s financial commitment, coupled with his support for the Board’s administrative preparations, reflects the importance his administration attaches to the welfare of intending pilgrims and the successful organisation of the 2026 pilgrimage.
On the inspection exercise, he explained that the visits were essential to verifying the readiness of accommodation facilities, pilgrimage sites, security arrangements, tour guides, transportation services and other logistical requirements.
He added that the assessment covered medical and emergency response arrangements, feeding, tour itineraries and general hospitality services, noting that early identification of operational gaps would enable the Board to engage relevant service providers and address potential challenges before the pilgrims’ departure.
He stressed that pre-pilgrimage inspections are fundamental to successful pilgrimage administration because they provide opportunities to evaluate service standards, confirm logistical arrangements and establish appropriate contingency measures.
Oghenesivbe described Christian pilgrimage as more than a sightseeing exercise, emphasising that it is a deeply spiritual experience requiring responsible planning and adequate attention to the religious expectations and physical wellbeing of participants.
He particularly commended Fr. Ekabo for personally driving the preparatory process, noting that his proactive approach reflects a strong sense of responsibility towards ensuring that Delta State pilgrims enjoy an organised and fulfilling experience in the Holy Land.
The Media Head observed that Israel and Jordan host some of Christianity’s most significant biblical and historical landmarks, offering pilgrims opportunities to deepen their faith and connect with important events recorded in the Scriptures.
The various spiritual sites destinations offer pilgrims unique opportunities to experience the geographical and historical settings of biblical events while engaging in prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal.
Oghenesivbe stated that the 2026 Pilgrimage State of Readiness Exercise for Leaders and Managers of Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards provides a platform for strategic deliberations, experience sharing, administrative capacity development and the review of operational expectations ahead of the forthcoming pilgrimage.
He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained from the exercise, alongside the inspection visits, would strengthen the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board’s capacity for effective administration, coordination and service delivery.
Oghenesivbe called on all stakeholders to sustain collaboration and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities, while reiterating the Delta State Government’s commitment to providing the necessary institutional and administrative support for a successful exercise.
He expressed optimism that the combined efforts of Governor Oborevwori, the Board’s leadership and other relevant stakeholders would culminate in a safe, orderly and spiritually enriching 2026 Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
By: Sam Erhunmwunsee, Radio Nigeria Asaba
