Pilgrimage: FCT Left Behind Over Poor Registration

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has disclosed that only 150 intending pilgrims have so far purchased forms to participate in the 2025 Christian pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja, the Director of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs Gloria Dandam, said the number falls short of the required minimum of 530 pilgrims needed to constitute a batch for the pilgrimage.

Dandam noted that while states such as Bauchi and Gombe have already sent their first and second batches of pilgrims to the Holy Land, the FCT is yet to secure a departure slot from the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).

According to her, the NCPC has not allocated a slot or fixed a departure date for FCT pilgrims, but preparations are ongoing to ensure that intending pilgrims from the territory are adequately sensitised for a successful pilgrimage once approval is granted.

She expressed optimism that more residents of the FCT would show interest and purchase the pilgrimage forms to enable the territory to meet the required batch number.

“The Federal Government subvention for the pilgrimage is still in place for interested members of the Christian faithful who are willing to undertake the pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel,” Dandam said.

The director urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory who are interested in participating in the 2025 pilgrimage to promptly purchase the forms and complete their preparations.

She also appealed to philanthropists, churches and well-meaning Nigerians to support less-privileged Christians who desire to embark on the spiritual journey but lack the financial capacity to do so.

Dandam assured that the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board remains committed to ensuring a smooth, well-organised and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience.