The Plateau State Government will spend N6.8 million on each pilgrim as 1,100 faithful prepare for the 2026 pilgrimage to Jerusalem and other holy sites in Israel and Jordan. This comes to ₦7.480 billion in total.
Wanson Bagu, a Reverend Pastor and Executive Secretary, Plateau State Pilgrim Welfare Board, who, alongside Juan Zumbes, Chairman of the Board, disclosed this in a joint interview with journalists on Friday in Jos, said that the sponsorship is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, while other logistics such as screening, orientation, uniforms and travel materials are handled by the state.
The ES explained that the board secured approval from Governor Caleb Mutfwang after submitting a memo for sponsorship, and funds were released without delay to facilitate the exercise.
He stated that following screening and orientation conducted three weeks ago, 300 pilgrims were selected as the first batch which will depart Jos on Sunday, while another orientation has been scheduled ahead of departure.
He added that the board is collaborating closely with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission to coordinate travel and reception arrangements in the Holy Land.
On funding and budget implementation, Bagu explained that the board operates strictly within its approved budget ceiling and factors in the prevailing exchange rate before finalising projections to avoid financial shortfalls experienced in previous years.
“As the saying goes, cut your coat according to your size. If you plan beyond your budget, you will inevitably run into financial shortfalls,” he said, noting that federal intervention last year helped ensure that all intended pilgrims were airlifted.
The Executive Secretary highlighted reforms introduced to strengthen transparency and credibility, including the stoppage of unofficial sale of pilgrimage forms, which previously encouraged exploitation and abscondment.
“We resolved from day one that corruption would not be tolerated,” Bagu stated, adding that compulsory moral and national values training has been introduced alongside structured orientation for intended Pilgrims.
He further explained that the board now controls the disbursement of Basic Travel Allowance to discourage abscondment and assured that pilgrims’ safety remains a top priority, stressing that visits are not conducted in conflict-prone areas.
Juan Zumbes the Board Chairman urged pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and uphold discipline and integrity, reminding them that they are ambassadors of Plateau State and Nigeria on a spiritual journey, not a tourism trip.
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