From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
The Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board said it is fully prepared for the 2026 pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
Speaking ahead of the airlift, the Executive Secretary Rev. Wanson Yusufu Bagu disclosed this in an interview said Governor Caleb Mutfwang approved and released funds for the sponsorship of pilgrims after a formal memo was submitted.
He explained that not fewer than 1,100 pilgrims are expected to be airlifted this year, with the first batch of 300 already screened and oriented.
Also speaking the board Chairman Right Rev. Dr. Jwan Zhumbes, said it is working closely with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission to ensure smooth coordination, while ground handlers in Israel and Jordan have been engaged to receive and guide pilgrims through designated holy sites.
On funding, the Board explained that it operates strictly within its approved budget ceiling, factoring in exchange rate realities to avoid shortfalls.
It noted that federal intervention under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last year helped bridge funding gaps caused by currency fluctuations, ensuring all intended pilgrims were airlifted.
The total sponsorship cost per pilgrim stands at about six point eight million naira, jointly funded by the state and federal governments.
To curb past challenges, the Board has introduced several reforms. Saying that they include ending the unofficial sale of pilgrimage forms, enforcing strict in-person registration, introducing core moral and national values training, and controlling the disbursement of Basic Travel Allowance to discourage abscondment.
Adding that Key personnel such as bus captains and medical teams now undergo structured orientation before departure.
On safety concerns, the Board assured that pilgrimages resume only when host nations certify security stability. “Pilgrims will not be taken to conflict-prone areas, and security arrangements are coordinated with relevant authorities”
“Medical screening remains the responsibility of panels appointed by the Commission. While age is not an automatic disqualification, the officials noted that the pilgrimage involves rigorous physical activity requiring medical fitness.” They emphasized.
Describing pilgrimage as a spiritual journey rather than tourism, the Board emphasized daily devotions, biblical teachings, and visits to historical sites aimed at deepening faith.
The Board urged Pilgrims to be disciplined, avoid misconduct, and to remember that they are ambassadors of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.