Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Thursday warned intending Christian pilgrims not to see the pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan as an opportunity to abscond.
The governor gave the warning at the ongoing screening of applicants for the 2026 pilgrimage at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Secretariat, which began on Wednesday in Asaba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the screening is being conducted by the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).
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Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Etacherure Terry, said abscondment could bring shame and embarrassment to their families and the state.
He reiterated that anyone contemplating absconding should reconsider, adding that the consequences could be severe.
The governor described pilgrimage as a spiritual exercise rather than an avenue for fanfare, urging successful applicants to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Christ and Delta.
He disclosed that the state government had committed more than two billion naira to the programme, with successful applicants enjoying full sponsorship for the spiritual journey.
According to Oborevwori, the investment reflects his administration’s commitment to the spiritual well-being of residents and the promotion of values that strengthen individuals, families and communities.
He said the pilgrimage would provide beneficiaries with opportunities for spiritual renewal, deeper understanding of biblical history, stronger faith and renewed commitment to Christian values.
He urged the applicants to demonstrate discipline, respect and active participation in the scheduled spiritual activities, expressing confidence that they would return with testimonies, renewed faith and a stronger sense of responsibility to God and society.
The Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, commended the governor for sustaining government sponsorship of Christian pilgrims.
Ekabo described Oborevwori as the only governor in the South-South region to sponsor pilgrims in the previous year and the first to approve sponsorship for the 2026 exercise.
He disclosed that more than 300 persons, including officials, were expected to participate in the 2026 pilgrimage.
“The programme will provide beneficiaries with opportunities for spiritual renewal, deeper understanding of biblical history and stronger commitment to Christian values.
“They will ultimately promote responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence and positive contributions to community development.
“Pilgrims, who return spiritually enriched and morally strengthened, will become positive influences in their families and communities, helping to promote peace, tolerance, compassion and unity across the state,” he said.
In his remarks, the Federal Commissioner, NCPC, Prince Weli Nwosu, clarified that submitting an application does not automatically guarantee participation, urging applicants to comply with all screening requirements.
Also speaking, Delta CAN Chairman, Rev. Lucky Osagbokhoe, urged the intending pilgrims to trust in God, noting that human understanding and knowledge are limited.
He encouraged them to use the pilgrimage to pray for Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, Oborevwori and their respective families, as well as for peace, stability and sustainable development in the country.
NAN also reports that the forum observed a minute’s silence in honour of a former Delta governor, late Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and the immediate past State CAN chairman, late Dr Sylvanus Okorote.
The screening exercise featured medical examinations and assessments by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.
A final screening panel comprising the NCPC Federal Commissioner and other officials from Abuja will determine the successful applicants and forward their names to the commission’s headquarters for further processing.
Speaking on the sidelines, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, State Head of Media for the pilgrimage, said the pilgrim board has made solid arrangements for the smooth conduct of the screening by NCPC officials.
Oghenesivbe commended the officials for their combined organisational capabilities, fairness, effective coordination and discipline in handling the intending pilgrims.
He said the smooth screening process demonstrated the board’s preparedness and commitment to ensuring that the substantial resources approved by the Oborevwori administration translated into a well-organised spiritual exercise.
Oghenesivbe said that investments in spiritual development could contribute to stronger family values, improved moral conduct, responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence, thereby complementing the state government’s broader development agenda.
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