2026 CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE: NIGER PILGRIMS BOARD SETS SENSITISATION IN MOTION, TARGETS ALL 25 LGAs
By; Lubabatu M. Kusherki,
The Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board is set to launch a statewide sensitisation campaign for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage next week, targeting intending Pilgrims’ across all 25 local government areas through physical mobilisation and radio broadcasts.
The initiative is part of intensified preparations to ensure early mobilisation, transparent screening, proper documentation and improved welfare for intending Pilgrims’, with radio outreach expected to complement physical engagements in areas where insecurity may constrain movement.
To advance the plan, the Board convened a strategic meeting with Christian Desk Officers from the 25 LGAs at its headquarters in Minna to establish operational priorities and strengthen grassroots coordination ahead of the exercise.
The Executive Secretary, Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, was represented at the meeting by the Director of Administration, Alhaji Ado Bello.
In his opening remarks, Alhaji Bello described the Desk Officers as a critical link between the Board and intending pilgrims, urging them to take ownership of mobilisation and sensitisation in their respective local government areas.
He said the early preparations reflect the commitment of the Niger State Government, under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s New Niger Agenda, to inclusive governance and effective coordination of pilgrimage activities across religious groups.
Alhaji Bello also commended the Executive Secretary for securing the Governor’s approval for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage, describing the development as a demonstration of leadership commitment and support for religious inclusiveness.
Presenting the operational guidelines, the Director of Administration of the Christian Department, Mr. Paul Lawrence, identified extensive sensitisation, credible screening in collaboration with relevant security and medical agencies, documentation in line with Nigerian Christian Pilgrims’ Commission (NCPC) regulations, comprehensive orientation and measures to promote discipline and prevent abscondment as key priorities.
Mr. Lawrence explained that the sensitisation strategy would combine physical engagements, where security conditions permit, with coordinated radio broadcasts across the state within the same week.
A special programme on Radio Niger Connect is also planned to reach intending Pilgrims’ and other stakeholders.
He urged the Desk Officers to work closely with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), church leaders, local government chairmen and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective grassroots mobilisation and wider public awareness.
The leader of the Desk Officers, JP Jeshua Ibrahim, commended the Board’s management for beginning preparations early and called on his colleagues to strengthen collaboration with their respective local government chairmen to facilitate effective mobilisation, while assuring the Board of their collective commitment to the success of the exercise.
The meeting also featured an interactive session during which participants offered suggestions on improving mobilisation, coordination and the overall conduct of the pilgrimage.
In his closing remarks, the Director of Finance of the Christian Department, Mr. Jiya Suleiman Ginba, thanked participants for their contributions and assured them that their recommendations would be forwarded to the Executive Secretary for consideration and necessary action.
The planned campaign marks a key step in the Board’s preparations to deliver a well-coordinated, transparent and welfare-focused 2026 Christian pilgrimage for intending Pilgrims’ from Niger State.
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