The Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has confirmed that 466 Christian pilgrims from Plateau State will depart for Israel and Jordan on March 5, 2026, as part of its second batch for the 2026 Holy Land pilgrimage.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Wanson Yusufu Bagu, disclosed that the pilgrimage mobilisation began in November and December 2025.
A total of 1,120 pilgrims were proposed for the 2026 exercise, including 13 carried over from the previous year.
According to Bagu, about 800 intending pilgrims have completed screening, while the first batch of 295 pilgrims is already in Israel.
Although 300 pilgrims were initially scheduled for the first batch, only 295 successfully departed.
For the second batch departing March 5, 466 pilgrims have been cleared to travel. Plans are also underway to airlift not fewer than 350 pilgrims in a third batch, though the departure date has yet to be announced.
Visa Challenges and Jordan Arrangements
The board revealed that five pilgrims from the first batch were denied Israeli visas and are currently in Jordan. Authorities have arranged accommodation and guided tours for them within Jordan.
Bagu noted that visa denials are not exclusive to Nigerian pilgrims, explaining that even high-profile individuals sometimes face entry restrictions in countries such as the UK and the United States.
Budget Clarification and Sponsorship
Addressing public concerns, the board clarified that the total pilgrimage budget does not exceed N4 billion, dismissing claims that over N7 billion was spent.
Federal Government intervention, according to officials, helped maintain stable sponsorship rates for intending pilgrims.
The Plateau Christian pilgrimage programme remains one of Nigeria’s largest state-backed faith-based travel initiatives, with officials urging participants to act as ambassadors of Plateau State and pray for lasting peace and national development.
