Niger revives Christian pilgrimage exercise

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago. Photo: State Govt

The Niger State Government has commenced preparations for the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage to airlift Christian pilgrims to the Holy land.

 This move comes more than ten years after the state government stopped general state sponsorship of Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem on May 17, 2016, under the  then-Governor,  Abubakar Sani- Bello now senator. The State had cited the economic challenges and insecurity in the middle East Region.

 The government of Governor Mohammed Bago has revived the practice directing the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board to intensify preparations for the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage exercise.

 A strategic meeting was held between Board Members and Staff of the Christian Department to strengthen coordination and improve pilgrims’ welfare ahead of the exercise.

 The meeting, which held at the Board’s Headquarters in Minna, was convened at the instance of the Executive Secretary, Muhammad Aliyu, who was represented by the Director Administration,  Alhaji Ado Bello.

 In his welcome address, Bello said the engagement was aimed at fostering collaboration between Board Members and operational Staff for a well-coordinated pilgrimage in line with the New Niger Agenda of the present administration.

 He reiterated the Executive Secretary’s commitment to inclusive administration, noting that the Christian and Muslim Departments are one family with a shared responsibility to serve pilgrims’ effectively. He stressed early planning, unity and accountability as critical to the success of the 2026 exercise.

 In his presentation, the Christian Department  Director of Administration, Mr. Paul Lawrence, outlined the Department’s comprehensive roadmap for the 2026 pilgrimage.

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 He said the roadmap would include early mobilisation of intending pilgrims’ across the 25 local government areas, transparent and thorough screening exercise in collaboration with relevant agencies, comprehensive orientation and spiritual rebirth programmes, improved accommodation, feeding and general welfare arrangements in the Holy Land, and strengthening partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria and other church leaders.

 Mr. Lawrence further disclosed that the Department would work in close synergy with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims’ Commission, Abuja, being the apex regulatory body for Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria, to ensure compliance with national guidelines, timely processing of documents and seamless airlift operations.

 “Collaboration will also be strengthened with relevant security agencies, medical screening teams and other stakeholders to ensure proper vetting, health certification and discipline of intending pilgrims.

 “Measures to prevent abscondment and promote discipline throughout the exercise have been put in place. We appeal to Management to sustain the operational and financial support to achieve these laudable  goals,” he said.

 The Head of the Christian Board Members, Mrs. Deborah Salawu, who responded on behalf of the Christian Board Members,  commended the Executive Secretary and Management for the timely engagement, describing it as a demonstration of inclusiveness and good leadership.

 She pledged the Board Members’ moral, spiritual and advisory support and their loyalty to the policies and programmes of the Board and the Niger State Government.